The Ministry of Water Resources has provided an update on a major water and sanitation project aimed at expanding access to safe and reliable water, improving sanitation services, protecting water sources, and strengthening the management of water utilities across Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the Weekly Press Conference held at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, Minister of Water Resources, Dr. Sao-Kpato Max-Kyne, outlined the progress, objectives and key components of the project. The session was hosted by Mohammed Jaward, Strategic Communication Officer at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education.
Minister Max-Kyne explained that the government, in collaboration with development partners, including the World Bank, has developed a comprehensive programme to address longstanding challenges in the country’s water sector. She noted that the initiative is being implemented in phases, with the broader programme expected to run over several years.
According to the Minister, the project focuses on increasing water supply coverage, improving water infrastructure, strengthening water utilities and ensuring more sustainable management of the country’s water resources. It also seeks to address water losses and inefficiencies through improved monitoring, metering and commercialization of water services.
A key component of the project is the introduction of smart water meters. The Minister highlighted plans to install approximately 23,000 smart meters as part of efforts to reduce water wastage, improve revenue collection and promote sustainable water service delivery. She stressed that consumers also have a responsibility to pay for water services to enable utilities to maintain and expand their operations.
Beyond water supply, the Minister emphasized that sanitation remains an important part of the programme. She explained that the project will support improved sanitation facilities, waste management and the construction of public toilets, particularly in communities where access to adequate sanitation remains limited.
The Minister also spoke about the importance of protecting water sources from environmental degradation and human activities. She said the Ministry is engaging communities and relevant stakeholders to safeguard water catchment areas while exploring alternative livelihoods for communities whose economic activities may affect water sources.
Dr. Max-Kyne further noted that the government is working to strengthen coordination among institutions responsible for water and sanitation. She said collaboration with local councils, utilities, communities and other agencies will be essential to ensuring effective implementation and long-term sustainability of the project.
The Minister described the initiative as a significant investment in Sierra Leone’s water sector, stressing that its benefits extend beyond access to water. According to her, reliable water and sanitation services are essential to public health, economic activity, environmental protection and overall quality of life.
She assured the public that the Ministry of Water Resources remains committed to ensuring that the project delivers tangible improvements, while encouraging citizens and communities to take ownership of water infrastructure and protect the country’s water resources.
