By Staff Writer
Freetown, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s water and sanitation sector following a high-level courtesy visit to the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation. The CRS Sierra Leone Country Manager, Michael Moyo, accompanied by Water Fund Technical Advisor Arthur Chinsman-Williams and Local Leadership and Partnership Strengthening Coordinator Hassan John Sapo-Sapateh, met with the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Sao-Kpato Hannah Isata Max-Kyne, to deepen collaboration and explore new opportunities for partnership.
The meeting highlighted CRS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen local capacity and promote sustainable, climate-resilient solutions aimed at safeguarding water infrastructure and preserving critical natural resources. Central to the discussions was the introduction of a newly developed coordination and visualization platform designed to improve planning, monitoring, and integration of development interventions across the country. According to CRS officials, the platform is expected to enhance coordination among stakeholders in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector, while also supporting broader urban development strategies.
The initiative will initially focus on informal settlements in Freetown, where rapid urbanization continues to place pressure on water systems and environmental resources. Minister Max-Kyne commended CRS for its sustained contributions to strengthening water systems, particularly in the Western Peninsula Area, which remains a critical water catchment zone for the capital. She noted that the partnership between the government and CRS has expanded significantly in recent years, moving beyond capacity-building initiatives to include tangible infrastructure support.
“This collaboration has led to the installation of protective barriers around key water sources, helping to safeguard vital catchment areas from encroachment and contamination,” the Minister said. She emphasized that such interventions are crucial in reducing pollution risks, protecting water quality, and improving access to safe and reliable water for communities across Freetown and its environs.
The engagement reflects a broader commitment by both the Government of Sierra Leone and development partners to address the growing challenges in the water sector, particularly in the face of climate change, population growth, and unplanned urban expansion. CRS reaffirmed its readiness to continue working closely with the Ministry and other stakeholders to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that will ensure long-term water security for the country.
