Sierra Leone – March 6, 2026: The Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC), with support from the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has successfully concluded a three-day Public–Private Partnership (PPP) training workshop aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s institutional capacity to deliver large-scale water infrastructure projects.
The workshop, held from March 2–4 at the Swiss Hotel in Freetown, brought together senior representatives from key public institutions including the Ministry of Finance, the PPP Directorate at the National Investment Board, the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), the National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA), Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), the National Consumer Protection Commission, WASH Network, and the Freetown City Council.
Building PPP Capacity
Over the three days, participants explored PPP concepts, project structuring, procurement processes, financing models, and contract management approaches. Technical sessions were facilitated by international experts from ALSF, Rebel Group, AELEX, and Garber & Co. Practical case studies focused on risk allocation, tariff sustainability, project bankability, and long-term oversight.
Managing Director of GVWC, Ing. Mariwan Kallon, emphasized the need to move beyond theory to practical implementation. “For too long our understanding of PPPs, especially for the water sector, has been confined to theory. What we need now is the practical experience that will allow our utility to negotiate effectively with international partners and implement projects that are financially viable, technically sound, and environmentally sustainable,” he said.
Deputy Managing Director, Ing. Prince Moore-Sourie, highlighted that PPPs offer a pathway to mobilize private capital for major water projects that government alone may struggle to finance. He noted that the Mountain Communities Bulk Water Supply Project will serve as a pilot initiative under the Western Area Water Supply Master Plan.
Focus on Mountain Communities
The training centered on the Mountain Communities Bulk Water Supply Project, a flagship initiative expected to deliver safe and reliable water to hillside communities including Regent, Gloucester, Leicester, Charlotte, Bathurst, Babadorie, Imatt, and Hill Station. Structured as a 27-year PPP, the project is projected to benefit more than 300,000 residents through new dam infrastructure and modern treatment facilities.
Legal and financial experts underscored Sierra Leone’s strong PPP framework, stressing the importance of balanced risk allocation and sustainable financing models. Rebel Group’s Matt Gills noted that “building dams and treatment plants requires substantial capital, and tariffs alone are not sufficient to cover the full investment costs,” emphasizing the need for blended financing.
The initiative aligns with Sierra Leone’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6: universal access to safe water and sanitation. By strengthening institutional readiness and fostering collaboration across government agencies, the PPP training is expected to accelerate reforms in the water sector.
Participants concluded the workshop with a renewed commitment to apply lessons learned in advancing the Mountain Communities Bulk Water Supply Project, which could serve as a model for future infrastructure partnerships across the country.
Issued by: Guma Valley Water Company Communication Unit