By Sia Sansie
The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has emphasized the urgent need for customers to pay their water bills promptly, highlighting that timely payments are critical to achieving the company’s vision of becoming a leading water provider in the country.
Speaking during SALWACO’s budget presentation at the Ministry of Finance, the institution’s Communication and Media Lead, Sheku Putka Kamara, drew applause from participants with his candid remarks on the challenges of service delivery.
Responding to a question about how SALWACO intends to realize its vision, Mr. Kamara—who also serves as the company’s national senior communications officer noted that failure or reluctance to pay for consumed water services undermines national progress.
“It is a disservice to Sierra Leone for people to owe SALWACO and refuse to pay,” he said. “Over 95 percent of SALWACO’s projects are funded by the government of Sierra Leone. The attainment of our vision is possible if people are willing to do what is right. Why should anyone have to be coerced to pay for services they have already used?”
His remarks resonated strongly with the audience, sparking loud applause that reflected broad approval of his submission.
Earlier, SALWACO management had cautioned that customers with outstanding bills risk disconnection and additional penalties if payments are not made promptly.
The budget presentation itself was led by SALWACO’s Director of Finance, Frank Lahai Kamara, supported by the Director of Operations, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie; Director of Research, Planning and Policy, Saffa S.K. Bockarie; Human Resources Director, Joe Ansu Foray and representatives from the Finance and Accounts Directorate.
