AYV News, August 11, 2026
The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in partnership with GOAL Sierra Leone, has handed over 112 water and sanitation facilities to communities, schools and health centres in Moyamba and Kenema Districts.
The intervention is expected to benefit approximately 35,000 people, with 42 water points provided in Moyamba and 70 in Kenema.
The facilities include boreholes, hand-dug wells and solar-powered water systems, as well as nine toilet blocks at three Peripheral Health Units (PHUs).
Speaking during the handover, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Sao-Kpato Hannah IsattaMacarthy, underscored the importance of reliable access to safe water, particularly for women and girls who often spend significant amounts of time travelling long distances to fetch water.
She said improved access to water and sanitation would not only contribute to better public health but also reduce the burden on women and girls and create opportunities for them to devote more time to education, livelihoods and other productive activities.
Minister Macarthy called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, local councils, traditional authorities, development partners and beneficiary communities to ensure that the facilities are properly managed and sustained.
GOAL Sierra Leone Country Director, James RialcMathians, described the handover as a major milestone in the organisation’s WASH programme, noting GOAL’s longstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable communities across Sierra Leone.
He stressed the importance of community ownership and responsible management of the facilities to ensure that the investment delivers lasting benefits.
Traditional leaders in the beneficiary communities also called on residents to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their proper maintenance.
They emphasised that the sustainability of the water systems would depend largely on community participation, responsible use and regular maintenance.
The intervention forms part of broader efforts by the Government of Sierra Leone and development partners to expand access to safe drinking water, sanitation and improved public health services across the country.
With the newly completed facilities, thousands of residents in Moyamba and Kenema are expected to have improved access to safe water and sanitation, contributing to healthier and more resilient communities.
