AYV News, March 17, 2026
The National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA) has officially launched its Strategic Development Plan for 2026–2030, outlining key priorities to strengthen water resources management and respond to growing environmental and sectoral pressures in Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the launch, Director General of NWRMA, Engineer Pierre Palmer, said the new strategic plan clearly defines responsibilities within the agency while establishing systems to monitor and report progress. He noted that the initiative comes at a critical time when the water sector is facing increasing pressure.
According to Engineer Palmer, major challenges include catchment degradation, deforestation, and competing demands for water among domestic users, agriculture, mining, and industry. He also highlighted gaps in hydrometeorological monitoring, data management, institutional capacity, and financing, which he said limit the agency’s ability to effectively regulate and monitor water resources.
“The rationale behind this strategic plan is to address the growing pressure on the water sector,” Engineer Palmer said.
“By improving governance, strengthening compliance systems, and building effective partnerships, we will be able to make smarter decisions on water allocation, protect critical water catchments, and create a predictable regulatory environment for responsible development.”
He explained that the strategic plan is also designed to respond to emerging challenges and align with the government’s Medium Term National Development Plan, which prioritizes clean water and sanitation.
Engineer Palmer emphasized that effective water resources management is the backbone of water supply, sanitation, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience.
The plan is built around six strategic goals aimed at modernizing water resources management. These include improving water resources monitoring and data collection, protecting water catchments, strengthening governance and regulatory systems, investing in capacity development and knowledge management, and advancing climate adaptation measures.
Engineer Palmer further stressed that the strategy places strong emphasis on practical implementation and compliance. To achieve this, NWRMA will collaborate closely with local councils and sector agencies.
He also expressed appreciation for the support of the World Bank, noting that the agency can not achieve its goals alone.
Delivering the keynote response, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Sao-Kpato Hannah Isatta Max-Kyne, commended the government’s ambition to transform the water sector.
She described the water sector as uniquely important because of its links to health, agriculture, industry, and the environment.
“If the water sector is poorly managed, we will definitely experience pollution, conflict, and backwardness,” the minister said.
“Sierra Leone is blessed with clean drinking water compared to many countries, but our water resources are under serious threat due to human activities that are depleting the environment.”
Dr. Max-Kyne emphasized the importance of long-term planning, particularly at a time when the water sector faces significant challenges. She noted that her ministry is partnering with various institutions to address these issues despite limited financial resources.
She also acknowledged the significant responsibility placed on NWRMA in managing both groundwater and surface water resources.
“NWRMA has a very big task,” she said. “I must commend the Director General and his hardworking team for developing such a comprehensive strategic plan in such a short time.”
The minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting water catchments through legislation and advocacy. She also appealed to development partners to continue supporting the ministry and the agency in implementing the strategic plan.
Representatives from the World Bank, Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), African Development Bank (ADB), and UNICEF expressed similar sentiments, assuring the gathering of their continued commitment to supporting NWRMA’s implementation efforts.
The Strategic Development Plan for 2026–2030 was officially launched by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation at the event.
