By Alfred Peter Conteh

The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) says it is prioritizing investment in new technologies and revenue generation strategies to close water supply gaps, as the company pushes for more than Le20 million in its FY2026 budget proposal.

Presenting the plan at the Ministry of Finance, head of Accounts, Frank Lahai Kamara, said the strategy is aimed at expanding access to safe drinking water, improving efficiency, and reducing the company’s reliance on government subventions.

Kamara identified the infrastructure deficit as one of the biggest challenges limiting SALWACO’s operations, particularly in underserved areas. He also pointed to non-competitive tariffs and inadequate funds to sustain treatment plants as barriers to efficient service delivery.

“We need more investment in new technologies to integrate the process across the board,” Kamara stressed.

On the opportunities, he noted that people are increasingly willing to pay for water once it is supplied consistently. According to him, greater sensitization on the benefits of pipe-borne water would attract more households, while better debt collection strategies and new revenue generation efforts could ease the burden of deficits.

Kamara also revealed threats to SALWACO’s operations, including the misuse of water catchment areas by miners and the growing reliance on boreholes, hand-dug wells, and streams by communities.

Detailing the company’s monthly requirements, he disclosed that SALWACO needs Le1,941,662.53 for water provision and Le169,895.47 for fuel and maintenance of vehicles and generators. He added that the company has suggested additional revenue streams for 2026, such as water rates, bowser sales, public stand posts, kiosks, and government subventions.

Despite challenges, Kamara highlighted notable achievements in 2025, including the ongoing construction of six new water supply stations in Kambia, Moyamba, Kabala, Pujehun, and Magburaka. He also reported a 61% increase in revenue collection, from Le5,099,985 in FY2023 to Le8,200,653 in FY2024. Water production rose by 41% (from 1,075,44m³ to 1,511,64m³), while customer connections increased by 21% (from 8,713 to 10,580).

Additionally, SALWACO completed the designs of four town water supply projects funded by the Indian Exim Bank-for Njala, Mattru, Dambala, and Mongor—as well as another project supported by Saudi Funding.

Officials from the Ministry of Finance commended SALWACO’s progress but urged the company to prioritize sustainability and pursue stronger partnerships with development partners to complement government funding.

The discussions form part of the government’s 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) hearings, which allow ministries, departments, and state-owned enterprises to present and defend their budget proposals in line with national priorities.