By: yusufibrahimkamara@hopemediasl.com
A decisive new chapter in Sierra Leone’s drive toward universal access to safe water and improved sanitation has begun with the unveiling of a comprehensive national strategy designed to guide the sector’s transformation over the next decade. The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation formally launched the National WASH Sector Strategic Plan (2026–2035) during a high-profile ceremony in Bo, drawing stakeholders from across government, development institutions, and civil society.
The ambitious ten-year roadmap sets out a coordinated framework to strengthen water supply systems, expand sanitation infrastructure, and promote hygiene practices nationwide. It represents a renewed commitment to tackling persistent public health challenges linked to inadequate access to clean water and poor sanitation, particularly in underserved rural communities.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Dr. Sao‑Kpato Isatta Hannah Macarthy underscored the collective responsibility embedded in the plan. She described the strategy as more than a technical blueprint, portraying it as a national pledge to safeguard water resources while uplifting the living standards of citizens across both urban and rural landscapes. According to the Minister, achieving sustainable WASH outcomes requires robust institutional coordination, consistent financing, and active community participation.
The strategic plan also received strong endorsement from Parliament. Charles Abdulai highlighted the importance of empowering local communities to take ownership of water management systems, noting that grassroots involvement is essential for ensuring long-term sustainability. He further emphasized that legislative oversight would remain critical in tracking progress and ensuring accountability in the sector.
From the local governance perspective, Victor Hindowa drew attention to the urgent need for targeted interventions in rural areas, where access to reliable water infrastructure remains limited. He stressed that improving sanitation services would significantly reduce the prevalence of water-borne diseases, ultimately strengthening public health resilience and socio-economic development.
Development partners reiterated their readiness to collaborate in advancing the plan’s objectives. James Rialc affirmed that non-governmental organizations would continue to play a pivotal role in bridging service delivery gaps. He noted that achieving universal WASH coverage would demand sustained partnerships, technical innovation, and inclusive programming that responds to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Providing insight into the formulation process, Deputy Minister Francis Alpha Kallon explained that the strategy was developed through extensive consultations with sector stakeholders. He described the document as a guiding compass for harmonized sector-wide implementation, designed to align policy priorities, donor support, and community-level initiatives over the coming decade.
The launch of the National WASH Sector Strategic Plan marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s broader development agenda, reinforcing the government’s determination to achieve universal access to safe water and dignified sanitation. As implementation begins, stakeholders remain optimistic that the coordinated approach outlined in the blueprint will accelerate progress toward healthier communities, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life for all citizens.