The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has officially ushered in a new era of leadership with the appointment of Mr. Joe Jonathan Ndanema as the new Board Chairman.
This transition was marked by a formal handover ceremony on Monday, December 23rd, 2024, at the SALWACO Board room, where the outgoing Chairman, Alhaji Ing. Mohamed Alie Jalloh, officially passed the leadership baton to his successor. The event underscored the organisation’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and reliable water services throughout Sierra Leone. The ceremony commenced with introductions of both the outgoing and incoming chairpersons, alongside other distinguished members of the Board of Directors.
Dr Albert H. Harvey, the Deputy Managing Director of SALWACO, opened the proceedings by commending the Board members for their unwavering dedication to the organisation. He also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Hannah Isata Sao-Kpato Max-Kyne, for her steadfast commitment to the transformation of the water sector in Sierra Leone. Dr. Harvey praised the collaborative spirit that has characterised SALWACO’s relationship with its Board and expressed optimism for the future under Mr. Ndanema’s leadership. He reaffirmed SALWACO’s dedication to fostering teamwork and fulfilling its mandate of providing clean water to the populace. Board members took turns sharing their experiences and expressing heartfelt appreciation for the outgoing Chairman’s leadership.
They highlighted the collective achievements of the SALWACO team and pledged their support to Mr Ndanema, believing that his leadership will inject renewed energy and direction into the company. In his farewell address, outgoing Chairman Alhaji Ing. Mohamed Alie Jalloh thanked the Board and SALWACO staff for their support during his tenure. He reflected on the positive experiences he had while leading the organisation and expressed confidence in the new leadership’s ability to continue driving progress. He also touched on the numerous achievements realised during his time at the helm.
Mr. Joe Jonathan Ndanema, the newly appointed Board Chairman, expressed his deep gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for the trust placed in him. He committed to aligning his leadership with SALWACO’s strategic plan, emphasising the importance of ensuring that 70% of Sierra Leoneans have access to safe drinking water. Mr Ndanema also highlighted the significance of water for irrigation as part of the “Feed Salone” initiative, urging the SALWACO team to rally around this vision. “Together, with the guidance of the Minister and the support of this team, we will achieve remarkable progress,” he asserted. In her keynote address, Minister Dr Hannah Isata Sao-Kpato Max-Kyne praised SALWACO as a goal-oriented institution and commended the outgoing Chairman for his diligent service. She characterised Mr Ndanema as a seasoned professional with extensive experience in development, expressing confidence in his capacity to lead the organisation effectively. The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to collaborate in achieving SALWACO’s mission of enhancing access to clean and safe water across Sierra Leone.
