Access to clean water has been a longstanding commitment of Sierra Rutile Limited (SRL) to its primary host communities. This past week, our CEO, Lima Sufian-Kargbo, officially commissioned three rehabilitated hand-pump water wells in the villages of Mbelleh-II, Mokabba, and Kanga, a meaningful step in restoring access to a basic yet vital necessity.
The project, funded under Sierra Rutile’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donations at a cost of over 15,000 USD, is part of our ongoing social investments in communities impacted by our operations. For Mbelleh-II and Kanga, communities that were relocated prior to the civil war, the return of functional water wells marks not just an infrastructure upgrade, but a restoration of dignity and resilience.
During the handover ceremony, Chief Osman Bangalie of Mbelleh-II noted how dilapidated water points have deepened hardship over the years. “With the maintenance of these wells, our people can finally breathe a sigh of relief,” he said.
The initiative reflects SRL’s broader approach to community partnership, one that values collaboration, transparency, and shared ownership. This is in line with our commitment to supporting “local local” content as the wells were constructed by Bainima Construction and General Services, a community-based business.
As CEO Lima Suffian Kargbo emphasized, while the company has faced challenges over the years, meaningful progress is only possible through continued engagement with local stakeholders. He urged communities to safeguard the newly restored wells, and to remain active partners in driving sustainable development.
Hussine Yilla, Head of External Affairs, reinforced this by noting that SRL’s social license is rooted in trust: “Our host communities are our most valued stakeholder as a company. We are committed to ensuring our operations do not adversely impact the very communities that give us the license to operate. Access to clean water is not a luxury, it is a right.”
As we move forward, we remain committed to strengthening the impact of our CSR efforts, ensuring that our presence leaves a lasting and positive legacy in every community we touch.
