By Ragan M Conteh

More than five million Sierra Leoneans are expected to benefit from new water and sanitation initiative after the World Bank approved a $40 million International Development Association (IDA) grant aimed at addressing the country’s long-standing challenges in access to clean water and sanitation.

The Sierra Leone Water Security and WASH Access Improvement Project, endorsed by the Bank’s Board of Executive Directors in Washington this week, represents the first stage of a $180 million decade-long programme designed to strengthen water sector governance, expand sanitation facilities, and build resilience against climate threats.

Although Sierra Leone enjoys abundant rainfall, communities across the country continue to suffer water shortages and poor sanitation. Current figures show that only 63 percent of citizens have access to basic water services, while just 32 percent have access to safe or improved sanitation. Weak institutions, inadequate infrastructure, and limited financing have compounded the problem, putting public health and economic development at risk.

World Bank officials say the new project will focus heavily on institutional reforms and capacity building. The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, along with the Guma Valley Water Company, will receive support to improve operations, adopt stronger policies, and roll out a national water resources master plan.

“This is a critical investment for Sierra Leone,” said Abdu Muwonge, the World Bank’s Country Manager in Freetown. “Improving water and sanitation is not only about health, it’s about economic growth, dignity, and creating a sustainable future for communities.”

Planned activities include upgrading supply networks in the Western Area, increasing access to toilets and hygiene facilities in schools and hospitals, expanding fecal sludge treatment plants, and running a nationwide campaign to eliminate open defecation. A mechanism will also be established to coordinate government and donor financing for the wider WASH agenda.

According to project projections, around 400,000 people in the Western Area will gain direct access to safe water, and 1.3 million will benefit from improved sanitation and hygiene services. In addition, at least 1,400 jobs are expected to be created and more than 600 water-sector professionals will be trained.

Xavier Chauvot De Beauchene, the World Bank’s Lead Water Specialist and Task Team Leader, described the project as “the beginning of a ten-year partnership to overhaul Sierra Leone’s water and sanitation systems.”

He stressed that the approach would combine infrastructure upgrades with community-driven initiatives to secure long-term improvements in public health and climate resilience.

The project, officials noted, could transform everyday life for millions of Sierra Leoneans, particularly women and youth who spend countless hours searching for water and coping with diseases linked to poor sanitation.