By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has officially launched its 2026-2035 National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sector Strategic Plan in Bo. The launch took place on Saturday, 14 March 2026, at the Wizard Complex Conference Hall.
The landmark event brought together government officials, representatives of international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), development partners, civil society groups, and other stakeholders committed to improving access to water and sanitation across Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of INGOs, James Riak described the launch as a defining moment for the country’s development, emphasizing that water is central to health, agriculture, economic progress, and social stability. He highlighted ongoing challenges in accessing safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, as well as the increasing pressures from climate change, including floods, droughts, and depletion of water resources.
Honourable Charles O. Abdulai reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to supporting the sector through legislation and stressed the need to review and update laws to enhance national development.
In her keynote address, Dr. Sao Kpato Hannah Isata Macarthy explained that the strategic plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen water governance, expand safe water and sanitation services, build climate resilience, and promote community engagement and social inclusion over the next decade.
Dr. Macarthy noted that a diagnostic study, conducted in collaboration with development partners, helped identify key challenges and opportunities that informed the strategic plan. She emphasized that the document would guide the Ministry, local councils, NGOs, and development partners in implementing WASH programmes, providing a clear legal and regulatory framework for service delivery and sector coordination.
The Minister stressed that sustainable funding is critical to the plan’s success and highlighted opportunities for private sector partnerships, capacity building, and technological improvements to strengthen the sector. She concluded by urging all stakeholders to work collaboratively to achieve the goals of the strategic plan, ensuring improved access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services for communities across Sierra Leone.
