Sierra Leone accelerates water and sanitation access project
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Sierra Loaded
Illustrative image · Şeyhmus Kino · Pexels · Licence PexelsSierra Leone’s Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation convened its steering committee for the water security and WASH access improvement project to address bottlenecks and accelerate work. Minister Sao-Kpato Hannah Isatta Macarthy deplored the absence of some key institutions, as the project has been in its active phase since March 2026, according to Sierra Loaded.
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is calling for an acceleration of the project to improve water security and access to water and sanitation. Its fourth steering committee meeting reviewed the project’s progress, after it entered its operational phase in March 2026, according to the ministry.
Project coordinator Mustapha Sheku Gibril reported progress in technical preparation, procurement and contract awards. However, financing for the infrastructure planned for the Guma Valley Water Company remains a problem, while land acquisition difficulties affect the Freetown City Council and the Western Area Rural District Council.
The two councils have until mid-December 2026 to resolve the land issues and submit the required documents. Otherwise, the planned funds could be reallocated to other feasible activities, according to the ministry. Minister Sao-Kpato Hannah Isatta Macarthy also called for better coordination among the bodies responsible for implementing the project.
