The project seeks donor grant funding to install smart prepayment metering for 35,000 customers across three towns. This will be complemented by a management contract to help improve revenue collection and reduce system losses. The project aims to strengthen the long-term sustainability of water services in Sierra Leone, while supporting a review of cost-reflective tariffs to help meet future demand and promote economic growth in key regional centres. The model developed through this initiative could be replicated in other towns, with the longer-term objective of establishing economically viable water concessions. While initial funding is expected from development partners, private sector expertise is being sought to support project delivery and potential future concession arrangements.
Project overview
Investment opportunity
The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) is seeking investment to implement a US$14 million smart prepaid metering system across the major towns of Bo, Kenema and Makeni. The project aims to improve revenue collection, reduce system losses, and strengthen the financial sustainability of water services. By replacing flat-rate tariffs with consumption-based billing, the initiative will promote more efficient water use and support the expansion of water supply services. The project is intended to establish a scalable model for water revenue collection that can be replicated across Sierra Leone. SALWACO is also seeking private sector expertise through a management contract focused on meter installation, revenue collection, loss reduction, and capacity building for local staff, with the longer-term objective of attracting greater private sector participation in the water sector.
Investment types sought
Project status
Development stage
Pre-feasibility
Current status / progress to date
Preparatory work is underway to support project development, including investment planning and implementation arrangements.
Additional project information
- Lead agency
- NIB PPP Directorate (facilitation); sector ministry / sponsor to confirm
Expected impact
Jobs created / supported
Not verified; estimate pending
Economic & development benefits
- Improved water-service measurement and billing transparency
- Strengthened utility revenue collection
- Reduced water losses
- Improved operational efficiency
- Enhanced service planning
- Technical, installation and maintenance employment opportunities
Climate & resilience benefits
- Leak detection
- Water conservation
Contact
Contact team
For more information about this project, please contact the Commonwealth Investment Platform team.