On the instructions of the Managing Director, Ing. George Lamin Vandi and the Deputy Managing Director (Ag. Managing Director, Apostle Dr. Albert Harrison Harvey), the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) represented by Sheku Putka Kamara, Senior Communications Officer (Ag. Director of Communication, Gender and Outreach) and the Felicity Solar Technology SL Ltd, represented by Ing. Peters, Director of Business Development & Project Management, Fecility Solar embarked on a joint assessment of storage facilities ahead of the mobilization of the project and to physically mark mapped out areas from the Topographical Survey on the SALWACO Solar Panels’ Mini-Grid Project.
Two thorough assessments were done in Bo and Kenema respectively where the SALWACO Station Manager in Bo, Ing. Alex P. Musa and the SALWACO Station Manager in Kenema, Ing. Osman Turay (with assistance from the Regional Manager, Braima Allieu) provided the much-needed assistance and coordination to see that works were accordingly carried out.
According to Ing. Peters, who was accompanied by another Engineer/Consultant, Ing. Musa, visiting the site after conducting a topographical survey and mapping out areas for solar panel installation and storage is essential to validate data collected and to assess real physical conditions of the sites.
“While the survey provides technical insights on terrain and elevation, this site visit confirms that the identified areas are actually suitable for installation. It helps detect issues like shading from trees or buildings, flooding risks, soil conditions, and accessibility that may not be evident on a map. This physical verification ensures that the design is grounded in the practical realities of the location and enables adjustments to optimize system performance, layout, and safety,” she stated.
“Moreover, this visit was crucial as it allows for logistical planning, such as determining access routes and space availability for equipment and maintenance. This site visit also supports the development of security and safety strategies, ensuring long-term project viability. Ultimately, this step helps bridge the gap between technical planning and successful implementation, reducing risks and enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the solar mini-grid project,” Ing. Peters added.
SALWACO’s Director of Project Management, Ing. Yankuba Tarawally who leads the project implementation is optimistic about the significance of the project, noting that it has the capacity to address some of the challenges that the institution currently faces in providing water for people.
©️ SALWACO Communications Unit
