**Author: Amara Rogers**

In a significant effort to elevate water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) standards in Pujehun District, SEND Sierra Leone has officially kickstarted a comprehensive WASH project titled "Strengthening of Civil Society Participation for Climate Change Adaptation." The initiative was inaugurated on January 24, 2024, showcasing a commitment to fostering sustainable development within the region.

The project has garnered substantial support from key stakeholders, including the Chairman of Pujehun District Council and representatives from the Ministries of Health, Water Resources and Sanitation, Social Welfare, and Agriculture. Various Civil Society Organizations focused on climate change and WASH also joined forces to ensure the success of this transformative endeavor.

Titty S. Kamara, Acting Sector Head for Climate Change and Livelihood at SEND Sierra Leone, outlined the project's overarching goals. The WASH initiative aims to address the pressing need for water and sanitation improvements in Pujehun District while concurrently promoting environmental sustainability. Kamara underscored the significance of a multi-stakeholder approach, emphasizing district-level engagement to identify and uplift climate-vulnerable communities.

The three-year project is set to unfold across 25 communities in Kenema and Pujehun Districts, with a specific focus on 15 communities in Soro Gbema, Sowa, Yeakemoh Kpukumu Krim, Gallinas, and Kabondeh chiefdoms. During the participatory session held to identify target communities, 27 were selected based on criteria such as intervention need, climate vulnerability, accessibility, community commitment, and avoidance of duplication.

One of the pivotal aspects of the project is to provide climate-resilient infrastructure, ensuring that communities have sustained access to safe drinking water and food. Moreover, the initiative aims to address gender disparities in the realm of water and sanitation.

SEND Sierra Leone has articulated its commitment to constructing essential water facilities, including solar boreholes, and empowering communities through financial access and capacity-building on climate change management. The organization aligns its goals with National Adaptation Plans, disseminating key priorities to ensure a holistic and sustainable impact.

Chairman Foday Kandeh Rogers, representing the Pujehun District Council, commended SEND Sierra Leone for selecting Pujehun District as the focal point for the WASH project. He officially launched the initiative and urged for community ownership to ensure inclusivity, a crucial factor in the project's long-term success.

Jonathan Sei, District WASH Engineer from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, expressed optimism about the project's potential to create lasting positive change in the region.

Notably, the project is financially supported by TERRATEC from Germany through BMZ, signifying international collaboration to address climate change impacts on water and sanitation in Sierra Leone. The launch of this ambitious WASH project marks a significant stride towards a healthier, more sustainable future for Pujehun District.