Sierra Leone will enhance its water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure with a £2.5 million grant from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The "WASH Systems Strengthening" project, running from 2024 to 2027, was officially launched on September 12, 2024, at the Sierra Palms Hotel in Freetown.

GOAL Sierra Leone will implement the project, which aims to tackle long-term challenges in the WASH sector. Satya Narayan Ghosh, the Climate Change Coordinator at GOAL Sierra Leone, highlighted key goals, including improving waste management in Freetown and creating centers of excellence in health facilities across several districts, including Moyamba, Kenema, Bombali, Makeni, and Kono.

The project also focuses on building the capacity of local service providers and authorities in these regions.

James Riak, Country Director of GOAL Sierra Leone, stressed the importance of addressing poor WASH practices in both urban and rural areas, noting that access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right critical for disease prevention and sustainable development. He called for greater investment in WASH systems, particularly in light of recent global health crises such as the pandemic and emerging diseases like MPOX.

James Bond, Health Adviser at the British High Commission, raised concerns about the sustainability of previous WASH projects but expressed optimism that this new initiative would deliver lasting improvements.

Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Engineer Francis Alpha Kallon, reaffirmed the government's commitment to the project, highlighting its alignment with the country's Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP). He assured full government support to ensure the project's success and long-term sustainability.