By Michel Bah
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Sao-Kpato Hannah Max-Kyne
The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitationrecently launched the Sierra Leone Water Security andWash Access Improvement Project and National Wash Sector Development Programme at the Freetown International Conference Centre, Bintumani, Aberdeen, West of the capital.
The Water Security and WASH Access Project, a World Bank-funded initiative of US$180 million, is 10-year multiphase programmatic approach that aims to reach 4 million people by 2035, achieving 90% national WASH coverage.
Launching the project under the theme: “Securing Water, Enabling Dignity, and Advancing Development,” His Excellency President Rtd. Brg. Dr Julius Maada Bio commended the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Sao-Kpato Hannah Max-Kyne for what he considered as visionary leadership that has transformed water management and sanitation, pointing out that under the minister’s watch, the country has not only accelerated the expansion of safe and reliable water systems but has also strengthened policies that ensure every citizen has access to clean water and dignified sanitation facilities. President Bio maintained that he made the right call to appoint her, particularly in that ministry.
President Bio furtherstated that access to safe water and sanitation is a fundamental right, not a privilege, pointing out that WASH remains centre stage in the country’s National Development Plan. He furthered that with the said project, children would no longer have to trek miles to fetch water before going to school. He further noted that the new WASH programme marks a decisive step to break the cycle of deprivation, with a coherent roadmap to achieving water security and sanitation access nationwide. Each phase, he went on, will be robustly monitored, implemented with transparency, and tied to incentive-based delivery mechanisms. President Bio vowed that the said project would eradicate water poverty which will see girls continue to stay in school.
President Bio also expressed thanks and appreciation to development partners, especially the World Bank. He assured government’s commitment to strengthen the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, enforce standards, attract investment, and coordinate stakeholders, adding that plans are underway to establish a Water Administration House to consolidate oversight, regulation, and coordination within the sector.
President Bioalso lashed out at certain stakeholders for their alleged involvement in unscrupulous land issues and he did not mince his words to call out village headmen, the land ministry and certain judges, stressing that he would soon summon them to a meeting.
Addressing the audience, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Sao-Kpato Hannah Max-Kyne, described the occasion as a defining moment in delivering President Bio’s development vision and called for national collaboration on implementation and the development of a clear, focused roadmap to address WASH sector challenges.
The Minister of Water Resourcesfurthered that it was a historic milestone in the country’s national journey towards ensuring sustainable water security and access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services for all Sierra Leoneans. Dr Sao-Kpato Hannah Max-Kyne further noted that water is life, as according to her, it is the foundation of public health, economic growth, food security, climate resilience, and human dignity. She however lamented that, over the years, access to clean water and safe sanitation remains a thorn in the flesh for a good number of communities, urban and rural alike. This project, she went on,therefore represents a transformative vision and an urgent response to the realities faced by the people, adding that the initiative is not just about infrastructure, but about empowerment, equity, and sustainability. Dr Max-Kyne disclosed that the projectwill bring together a comprehensive strategy to expand water access, improve sanitation systems, strengthen community-led hygiene practices, and build the resilience of the country’s water systems against the impacts of climate change.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Sao-Kpato Hannah Max-Kyne, reiterated that the programme is a direct reflection of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for a prosperous and inclusive Sierra Leone, and it aligns with the goals of the Medium-Term National Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 that deals with clean water and sanitation for all.
The minister expressed thanks and appreciation to development partners, especially World Bank, technical experts, and all stakeholders who contributed to the design and launch of theproject. Dr Sao-Kpato Hannah Max-Kyne stated that water security is not just a government responsibility, but a shared national commitment; and therefore, called on Sierra Leoneans to own the project, stressing that failure to adhere could spell doom for water security and future climate resilienceand human dignity.
On his part, the World Bank Country Manager, Dr Abdu Muwonge commended President Bio for his strong advocacy on behalf of the country. Dr Muwonge further noted that water is not only a necessity of life but a commodity that can generate revenue, adding that every 1 United States Dollar invested in water can yield 7 United States Dollars in return.
According to the World Bank Country Manager, water remains a huge challenge, not only in supply but also in its safety. He expressed dismay over the way and manner certain unscrupulous individuals cut up pipes, creating the tendency of acquiring non-revenue water. The Country Manager however disclosed that fixing institutions like GUMA, SALWACO, and local councils, could salvage the situation. He also called on government to protect Rokel River, as according to him, it is one of the country’s main sources of water.
Dr Abdu Muwonge stated that the need for capacity building cannot be overemphasised, pointing out that the World Bank will continue to collaborate with government as plans to establisha postgraduate degree in the university in the area of Master in Water Resources are underway.
Adding a touch of glamour to the occasion, popular cultural organisation, Tabulay Theatre did a skit depicting the danger of cutting up pipes and trees, and citizens’ role insecuring water, enabling dignity, and advancing development.
Speaking to this press on condition of anonymity, a staff of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, lavished praises on Dr Sao-Kpato Hannah Max-Kyne, describing her as an astute leader and a humble servant who always bends over backwards to ensure the happiness of staff and others, adding that she has distinguished herself in society, especially within the President Bio’s led government through service, selflessness and other outstanding contributions that have positively impacted the lives of many. The anonymous staff waxed lyrical about Dr Sao-Kpato Hannah Max-Kyne, stressing that her appointments by President Bio to serve in different MDAs did not come by some dint of luck but could be seen as a fitting tribute to her competence and years of devoted work. The staff maintained that the Minister of Water Resourcesand Sanitation has won plaudits from many quarters,and her ability to interact with people plays into her hands as she continues to ride on the crest of a wave that has propelled her as one of the best politicians the SLPP can pride itself in.
