By: Aminata Sesay
The National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA) has unveiled an ambitious five-year Strategic Development Plan (SDP) aimed at strengthening water governance, protecting critical watersheds, and improving the monitoring of Sierra Leone’s water resources.
The plan, which covers the period 2026-2030, was officially launched in Freetown by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Sao-Kpato Hannah Isatta Macarthy, during a ceremony that brought together government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, and key stakeholders in the water sector.
Speaking at the launch event, the Director General of NWRMA, Pierre Palmer, said the new strategy provides a comprehensive framework for addressing the growing challenges affecting the country’s water resources.
He explained that the plan prioritizes strengthening regulatory and institutional systems, improving national water monitoring and assessment mechanisms, and safeguarding watersheds and catchment areas from environmental threats such as deforestation and land degradation.
Eng. Palmer added that the agency will also focus on building technical capacity within the sector, enhancing knowledge management, and promoting effective transboundary water resource management to ensure the sustainable use of shared water systems.
“The Strategic Development Plan provides a clear direction for the agency while also strengthening collaboration with ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, communities, and the media,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Macarthy described the plan as a vital step toward securing Sierra Leone’s water future and strengthening the country’s resilience to climate change.
She noted that water plays a critical role in supporting agriculture, public health, environmental protection, and economic development, stressing that effective management of the country’s water resources is essential for national growth.
“Water is life,” the minister said, urging all stakeholders to work closely with the agency to ensure the successful implementation of the strategy.
Dr. Macarthy also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting policies and programmes that will protect the country’s water resources for both present and future generations.
The NWRMA Strategic Development Plan (2026-2030) is expected to guide the agency’s work in improving water resource governance, strengthening environmental protection, and enhancing climate resilience across Sierra Leone.