The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has officially launched a groundbreaking partnership with Orange Money, introducing a mobile payment platform designed to make water bill payments easier, faster and more secure for customers across the country.
The launch ceremony, held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at SALWACO Headquarters on Tower Hill in Freetown, drew participation from Government officials, corporate partners and representatives from key stakeholder institutions. The initiative is widely seen as a major step forward in the digital transformation of Sierra Leone’s utility services.
Welcoming attendees, Joe Ansu Foray, Director of Human Resources at SALWACO, described the partnership as a “landmark step in modernizing service delivery and enhancing customer experience.”
Providing an overview of the initiative, Mohamed Aziz Waggay, SALWACO’s Director of Commercial Services, highlighted three main goals of the collaboration: increasing revenue collection, reducing congestion at banking halls and improving customer satisfaction.
“With Orange Money’s vast agent network, customers can now pay their water bills anytime, anywhere with ease,” he noted.
Representing Guma Valley Water Company, Alie Kabba, Director of Corporate Services, applauded SALWACO for what he termed a transformative move that goes beyond technology to demonstrate a commitment to innovation and service excellence.
Speaking on behalf of the National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA), Robert David Kailie, HR and Admin Manager, commended the initiative for enhancing accessibility and promoting a more responsive and customer-friendly approach to utility service delivery.
Joseph Joe Ndanema, Chairman of the SALWACO Board, hailed the development as a contribution to Pillar Five of the Government’s Big Five Game Changers, which focuses on infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of partnerships such as that in achieving sustainable development goals.
Representing Orange Money, Joseph Saffa Tengbeh, Head of Marketing, Strategy and Partnerships, reaffirmed Orange’s commitment to digital inclusion and transformation in Sierra Leone.
“With this partnership, SALWACO customers no longer need to travel long distances or wait in long queues to pay their bills. We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition to this digital service,” he assured.
SALWACO Managing Director, Ing. George Lamin Vandi, thanked Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Hannah Sao Max-Kayne and the SALWACO Board for their ongoing support. He described the Orange Money partnership as part of SALWACO’s wider financial sustainability agenda, following similar integrations with Afrimoney and Rokel Commercial Bank. He also revealed plans for SALWACO to transition to green energy across its operational stations.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Dr. Hannah Sao Max-Kayne lauded SALWACO’s leadership for embracing digital innovation in public service delivery.
“This platform will enhance transparency and accountability in revenue collection and allow for real-time monitoring of payments,” she said. The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s support for public-private partnerships that drive national development and improve access to essential services.
The event concluded with the official launch of the SALWACO–Orange Money service, officiated by Minister Max-Kayne, followed by a ceremonial group photo with stakeholders and guests.
With digital payment channels now including Orange Money, Afrimoney and Rokel Commercial Bank, SALWACO continues to position itself as a forward-thinking and customer-centric utility provider, with plans for additional partnerships to further enhance accessibility and convenience for all Sierra Leoneans.
