The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has officially handed over Lot 1 of the Lunsar Water Supply Project to S&H Trading Investment, marking a significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to expand access to safe and clean drinking water.
The handing-over ceremony was held at the Parish Hall in Lunsar and was attended by key stakeholders, including the Managing Director of SALWACO, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi; SALWACO Board Chairman, Mr. Joseph Joe Ndanema; Board Member PC Amy Tator Kallon Tibbie; Director of Operations, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie; Director of Project Management, Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally; Director of Finance, Mr. Frank Lahai Kamara; Lunsar Station Manager, Umaru Bayoh; and other SALWACO staff. The Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, PC Koblo Queen II, chiefdom stakeholders, and the project contractor were also in attendance.
In his statement, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie, Director of Operations, reaffirmed SALWACO’s dedication to delivering reliable water infrastructure across Sierra Leone. Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally, Director of Project Management, handed over the second component of the contract, focused on the construction of the water treatment facility. He urged the people of Lunsar to monitor and safeguard the project to ensure its successful completion.
The Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, PC Amy, emphasized the importance of the project, noting that clean and pure water is essential for the people of Lunsar. He encouraged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure and highlighted the project’s alignment with President Bio’s national development agenda.
The CEO of S&H Trading Investment, Mr. Sahr Saquee Gbondo, expressed appreciation to SALWACO and the Government for entrusting his company with the project. He assured that despite being a pre-financed project, S&H Trading Investment is committed to delivering high-quality work and called for continuous cooperation among SALWACO, the contractor, and the community.
Representatives of the Women’s Leader and Youth Leader pledged their support, including community security, and appealed for local youth to be considered for employment on the project.
Delivering the keynote address, SALWACO Managing Director, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi, explained that Lot 1 covers the construction of the intake structure, water treatment plant, clear water tank, and associated transmission pipelines. She assured that upon completion, the system will produce water that meets WHO standards and encouraged the people of Lunsar to take ownership of the infrastructure.
The Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, PC Koblo Queen II, welcomed the SALWACO team and congratulated S&H Trading Investment on receiving the contract for Lot 1. He highlighted that the project will benefit over 70,000 residents upon completion and expressed optimism that the system will be commissioned within the next sixteen months.
The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by the Chairlady of the Market Women’s Association, who expressed appreciation on behalf of the community.
It was also disclosed that Lot 2 of the Lunsar Water Supply Project was handed over last month to AA Enterprise and Infiniti Trading Company Ltd, operating as a joint venture.
