The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has officially handed over Lot 1 of the Lunsar Water Supply Project to S&H Trading Investment, marking another major milestone in the Government’s commitment to expanding access to safe and clean drinking water.

The handing-over ceremony, held at the Parish Hall in Lunsar, brought together 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.

Also in attendance were the Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, PC Koblo Queen II, chiefdom stakeholders, and the project contractor.
In his statement, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie introduced the SALWACO delegation and reaffirmed the Company’s dedication to delivering reliable water infrastructure across Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of the project management team, 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.
Paramount Chief Amy emphasized the importance of the project, noting that clean and pure water is essential for the people of Lunsar. He explained that the initiative supports President Bio’s national development agenda and encouraged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure.
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. He called for continuous cooperation among SALWACO, the contractor, and the community.
Representatives of both 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.
In his remarks, Paramount Chief 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 more than 70,000 residents upon completion. He expressed optimism that the system will be commissioned within the next sixteen months.
Delivering the keynote address, SALWACO Managing Director, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi explained that Lot 1 covers the construction of the intake structure, the water treatment plant, the clear water tank and the associated transmission pipelines. She assured that, upon completion, the system will produce water that meets WHO standards.
Ing. Jabbi further noted that the project followed a detailed technical assessment before its design and is being supported by the Government through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
She encouraged the people of Lunsar to take ownership of the infrastructure, stressing that community monitoring and protection are essential to the project’s sustainability.
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.
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.
Credit: SALWACO Communications Unit