By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has conducted a critical assessment visit to the Daru Gravity Scheme on March 18, 2025, to evaluate the extent of damage caused by a recent bush fire that has severely disrupted the township’s access to safe drinking water. The visit was led by SALWACO’s Director of Maintenance, Ing. Abu Kallon, along with the Eastern Regional team, including Mr. Braima Allieu, Regional Manager for the East, Station Manager of Kenema, Ing. Sahr Keffa, and resident Senior Plumber, Mr. James Koroma.
The team was warmly received by the Paramount Chief (PC) of Jawei Chiefdom, Gombu Kla Kallon, who commended the visit as timely and necessary, given the ongoing water crisis in Daru. The township, which relies heavily on the Daru Gravity Scheme for its water supply, has been facing significant challenges due to the damage caused by the bush fire, leaving residents without access to a safe and reliable water source.
PC Kallon expressed his gratitude to the SALWACO team for taking swift action to assess the situation and address the pressing concerns of the community. “This visit is indeed laudable and timely considering the current water challenge faced by the township of Daru,” PC Kallon remarked, emphasizing the urgency of the matter and the importance of ensuring the restoration of water services.
During the visit, the team, supported by Mr. James Koroma, the Senior Plumber stationed in Daru, carefully examined the damaged pipes and infrastructure that had been affected by the fire. The assessment allowed the team to gauge the extent of the damage, collect critical data, and plan for the necessary repairs. The proactive approach taken by SALWACO was aimed at restoring water supply to the township as soon as possible.
Ing. Abu Kallon, Director of Maintenance, explained that the visit was part of SALWACO’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all communities have access to safe and reliable water services. “This assessment is crucial for determining the scope of repairs needed to restore the Daru Gravity Scheme,” said Ing. Kallon. “Our goal is to take immediate action and implement the necessary repairs to ensure that the residents of Daru can once again access clean water without delay.”
The damage caused by the bush fire has affected key parts of the water supply system, and the team’s visit was essential for taking stock of the repairs required. SALWACO emphasized that the organization is fully committed to addressing the issue and ensuring that the water supply is restored to meet the needs of the community.
The visit also highlighted SALWACO’s broader mission to ensure water security for all regions in Sierra Leone. As the government’s primary agency responsible for water supply and sanitation, SALWACO is dedicated to improving access to clean water for both urban and rural communities, while also addressing challenges such as those posed by natural disasters like bush fires.
Following the assessment, the SALWACO team indicated that plans for repairs would be put into motion immediately. The organization is focused on quickly restoring the water supply to Daru and preventing any further disruptions to residents’ access to clean water.
With support from local officials, such as PC Gombu Kla Kallon, and continued collaboration from the community, SALWACO is confident that the water supply challenges in Daru will be resolved promptly. The visit to the Daru Gravity Scheme underscores SALWACO’s commitment to responding swiftly to crises and ensuring that every community in Sierra Leone has access to safe drinking water.
As SALWACO moves forward with the repairs, the people of Daru can look forward to the restoration of their essential water supply, which is crucial for the health and well-being of the township.
