Government Launches 10-Year Plan to Improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has officially launched the National WASH Sector Strategic Plan (2026–2035), a ten-year framework aimed at transforming water, sanitation, and hygiene services across Sierra Leone. The ceremony took place on Saturday, 14 March 2026, at the De-Wizard Conference Hall in Bo.

Government officials, local council representatives, development partners, and civil society organizations attended, signaling a unified commitment to expanding safe water access and improving sanitation nationwide.

In his keynote address, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Dr. Sao-Kpato Isatta Hannah Macarthy described the plan as a collective national pledge to safeguard water resources and enhance living standards.

Hon. Charles Abdulai, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, praised the plan’s emphasis on community-led water management, while Victor Hindowa of Bo District Council highlighted the need to prioritize rural areas and strengthen disease prevention through reliable water infrastructure.

James Rialc, Country Director for GOAL Sierra Leone, reaffirmed the NGO sector’s support, stressing that universal WASH coverage requires coordinated efforts among government agencies, partners, and local communities.

Deputy Minister Francis Alpha Kallon outlined the extensive consultative process behind the plan, emphasizing its role as a guiding framework for sector-wide implementation over the next decade. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring safe water, dignified sanitation, and opportunities for healthier lives.

The launch marks a pivotal step in Sierra Leone’s pursuit of sustainable public health improvements, demonstrating the government’s commitment to universal access to safe water and sanitation over the coming decade.