By: Saidu Jalloh
The Director General of the National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA) has concluded an extensive familiarization tour of major raw water users across Sierra Leone’s Northern, North-Western, and Eastern regions as part of efforts to strengthen operational oversight and promote sustainable water resource management.
The tour enabled the Agency’s leadership to engage directly with mining companies, borehole drilling operators, and community water managers to assess ongoing operations, verify compliance with water-use permits, and identify challenges affecting the sustainable utilization of water resources.
According to the NWRMA, the visit was aimed at observing operations on the ground, evaluating adherence to regulatory requirements, and fostering stronger collaboration with stakeholders whose activities rely heavily on the country’s water resources.
During the engagements, the Director General emphasized the importance of collective action in protecting Sierra Leone’s water resources from growing environmental and human-induced threats.
“Sierra Leone’s water resources are facing significant threats that require strong collaboration at all levels, including among water users. The primary mandate of the Agency is to regulate human interaction with these resources to ensure their sustainability,” he stated.
He noted that effective water resource management requires practical, evidence-based, and locally informed interventions that strike a balance between environmental protection, economic development, and community livelihoods.
The Director General further explained that the Agency remains committed to working closely with water users to address operational challenges, improve compliance with permit conditions, and develop solutions to competing water demands and infrastructure deficiencies.
Stakeholders who participated in the engagements welcomed the initiative and discussed issues affecting their operations. They also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperating with the Agency in promoting responsible and sustainable water use.
The NWRMA stated that the tour forms part of its broader strategy to enhance regulatory compliance, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and ensure the sustainable management of Sierra Leone’s water resources for both present and future generations.
The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to engaging key stakeholders across the country as it continues to implement policies and regulatory measures aimed at safeguarding Sierra Leone’s water resources and supporting sustainable national development.