Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation

29/03/2026

WORLD WATER DAY

28/03/2026

WASH-Net Sierra Leone, under the Global WASH Programme Phase II, is currently facilitating a Training of Trainers on the Community-Led Outcomes Monitoring (CLOM) strategy and the effective application of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework at the Bonthe District Council. The engagement is engaging key district WASH sector players, including government officials, District Council representatives, CSOs, DBOC members, and community stakeholders with direct responsibility for sanitation planning, implementation, and oversight.

The training is strengthening participants’ capacity to generate, analyse, and apply data for evidence-based decision-making, while reinforcing accountability and coordination across the sanitation service chain. By focusing on actors with the ability to influence governance processes and cascade knowledge within their institutions and communities, this initiative is being implemented in alignment with the Global WASH Programme Phase II project goal, contributing to improved sanitation performance and sustainable service delivery in Bonthe District, while advancing progress towards SDG 6.

27/03/2026

Following a productive and forward-looking high-level donor coordination meeting convened by the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation on Thursday, 26 March 2026, Chairman of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Network of Sierra Leone (WASH-NET SL), Musa Ansumana Soko, engaged Hon. Minister Dr. Sao-Kpato Hannah Isatta Macarthy in a focused discussion on strengthening collaboration across the sector.

The meeting, held under the framework of the Sierra Leone Water Security and WASH Access Improvement Project (WASH), funded by World Bank, brought together over 46 partners, implementing agencies, and regulatory bodies, reinforcing the government’s commitment under President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to deliver coordinated, sustainable, and inclusive WASH services nationwide.

With contributions from development partners including the World Bank, UNICEF, WHO, AfDB, GOAL, World Vision, and others, discussions emphasized the need for stronger alignment, data sharing, and innovative investment models, while highlighting ongoing interventions such as climate-resilient water systems, prepaid water schemes, and community-led approaches.

Stakeholders also agreed on practical steps to enhance coordination, including quarterly sector engagements and a shared information platform, as the sector continues to address infrastructure gaps, water quality challenges, and the importance of long-term sustainability through capacity building, public-private partnerships, and community ownership.

_______________________________
*Communication Unit -MWRS*
*Water Security & WASH Project*
*Supported by World Bank*
[email protected]

26/03/2026

Dr. Sao-Kpato, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation

Check out dominictucker850’s video.

26/03/2026

WASHNet successfully convened a National Stakeholder Workshop to develop an advocacy strategy for the Heads of State Initiative on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), bringing together key actors from government, civil society, utilities, and development partners. The workshop served as a platform to align efforts, strengthen collaboration, and identify priority advocacy areas to position WASH as a national priority and increase investment toward improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services across Sierra Leone.

Through participatory discussions and co-creation sessions, stakeholders developed a draft framework for a National WASH Advocacy Strategy and outlined clear pathways for stronger political commitment, enhanced coordination, and sustainable financing. This represents a significant step toward elevating WASH on the national agenda and accelerating progress toward universal access for all.

26/03/2026

26/03/2026

*Sierra Leone Marks World Water Day 2026 with Strong Call for Gender Equality in Water Access*

Sierra Leone has marked World Water Day 2026 on March 23 under the theme “Water and Gender Equality” with the slogan “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”

The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation led the event. It brought together government officials, development partners, and civil society groups.

Permanent Secretary Allieu Bakarr Conteh said, “Water access is a fundamental human right.” He added that the global water crisis is also “a crisis of inequality.” He stressed that women and girls are the most affected.

“They spend millions of hours daily collecting water,” he said. He warned that that had limited education and economic opportunities, and called for women to be included in leadership and decision-making.

Country Director of GOAL Sierra Leone, James Rialc, highlighted the scale of the problem. He said only 23% of households had safely managed drinking water, while 58% lacked basic services.

UNICEF WASH Chief, Bhawna Vajpai, warned, “Climate change threatens water security,” despite progress showing 63% access to safe water. She called for climate-resilient systems.

WASH Net Team Lead, Musa Soko, described the situation as “an urgent crisis.” He pointed to poor funding and weak accountability. He noted that only 0.6% of the country’s GDP was allocated to the sector.

In her keynote address, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Sao-Kpato Hannah Isatta Macarthy, reaffirmed government commitment. She pledged inclusive policies, increased investment, and stronger partnerships.

The event ended with a clear message. Women must be at the center of water governance. Improving water access is key to health, dignity, and gender equality.

23/03/2026

INTERNATIONAL WORLD WATER DAY