By John Kelly Marah
Sierra Leone is set to launch the landmark Water Security and WASH Access Improvement Project, a ten-year initiative aimed at strengthening sustainable access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services across the country.
Speaking at a pre-launch press conference held at the Water Resources Management at Kingharman Road on July 7, 2025, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Saio Kpato Hannah Isata Macarthy, described the project as a transformative step toward universal WASH access in Sierra Leone.
“Moments like this bring immense joy and pride,” said the Minister. “This project reflects a collective national effort to ensure that every Sierra Leonean has access to clean water and dignified sanitation services.”
The official launch, scheduled for July 8, will be presided over by His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, and will include the presentation of key documents, including a WASH Poverty Diagnostic Study and the National WASH Improvement Programme.
The new project, which will be implemented in three phases from 2026 to 2035, is funded by the World Bank and developed through an inclusive consultative process involving government MDAs, NGOs, civil society, and community stakeholders.
Phase 1 (2026–2031) will focus on infrastructure expansion, climate-resilient water systems, and human development in the Western Area.
Phase 2 (2028–2033) will target underserved provincial towns and cities.
Phase 3 (2031–2035) will complete the rollout nationally.
The Minister emphasized that this strategy was born out of evidence-based research and aligns with both Sierra Leone’s National Development Plan and Sustainable Development Goal 6—clean water and sanitation for all.
Dr. Isata acknowledged the historical fragmentation within the WASH sector—where water resources once fell under the Ministry of Energy, and sanitation under Health—but noted that the Ministry is now leading a coordinated, unified response.
“This is not just about infrastructure—it’s about institutional transformation, data-driven decision-making, and long-term resilience,” she said.
She called on stakeholders—government agencies, donors, NGOs, local councils, and the media—to take ownership of the initiative. “Everyone that enters the room tomorrow should feel a part of this national legacy. This is for today’s citizens and generations to come,” the Minister concluded.
Seated alongside her at the press briefing were representatives from the Guma Valley Water Company, NWRA, EWRC, and other key sector agencies.
