By Emma Black
Sierra Leone is set to benefit from one of the largest water and sanitation investments in its history, on Wednesday 1 October 2025, the World Bank launches a groundbreaking project to provide safe drinking water and improved sanitation services to more than five million people nationwide.
The initiative officially titled the Sierra Leone Water and Sanitation Access Project (SLWSAP) marks a transformative step toward universal access to clean water by 2030. It aims to overhaul outdated infrastructure, expand both rural and urban water supply networks, and strengthen sanitation facilities in schools, health centers, and vulnerable communities.
“Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of public health,” said Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank. This project will not only improve living conditions for millions but also build Sierra Leone’s resilience against climate-related health risks while supporting broader national development goals.”
Construction and rehabilitation of water supply systems across rural and urban communities, Investment in hygiene and sanitation programs, particularly targeting schools and health facilities. Strengthening the capacity of local water utilities and municipal councils to manage and sustain services. Special attention to women and girls, who face the greatest burden from limited water access.
Beyond improving health outcomes, the project is expected to create thousands of jobs during its five-year rollout, boosting local economies while ensuring long-term sustainability of water services.
President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the initiative, describing it as a vital partnership that will save lives, empower communities, and build a healthier future for Sierra Leone, construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with phased implementation designed to progressively expand access across all regions of the country.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 3rd October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
