World Bank Approves $40m Grant to Boost Water Security and WASH in SL

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved the Sierra Leone Water Security and WASH Access Improvement Project, backed by a $40 million International Development Association (IDA) grant targeting the Western Area. This initiative marks the first phase of a decade-long Multiphase Programmatic Approach totaling $180 million, designed to strengthen institutions, enhance water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, and build climate resilience across the country.

“This project represents a critical step forward for Sierra Leone in addressing its pressing water security and sanitation challenges,” said Abdu Muwonge, World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone. “By strengthening institutions, improving infrastructure, and fostering community engagement, the project enhances public health and environmental sustainability while laying the foundation for resilient economic growth and human development.”

Despite abundant rainfall, Sierra Leone faces severe water and sanitation challenges driven by limited infrastructure, weak governance, and inefficient service delivery. Only 63% of the population has access to basic water, with just 23% accessing improved drinking water on premises. Sanitation coverage is even lower, with 32% accessing safely managed or basic sanitation and only 12% practicing basic hygiene.

The new project will strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and other sector agencies, develop policies and regulatory frameworks, enhance staff skills, and produce a national water resources masterplan. It will also upgrade water supply infrastructure, improve the operational efficiency of the Guma Valley Water Company, expand access to toilets and hygiene facilities in schools and health centers, increase fecal sludge treatment capacity, and launch a nationwide campaign to make Sierra Leone “Open-Defecation Free.” A pooled funding mechanism will also be established to coordinate budgets and partner contributions for the WASH sector.

“This project is the first step of a 10-year partnership to strategically tackle Sierra Leone’s water and sanitation challenges,” said Xavier Chauvot De Beauchene, World Bank Lead Water Specialist and Task Team Leader. “By strengthening institutions, improving operational efficiency, and promoting better sanitation practices, this partnership will deliver tangible improvements in water security and WASH access while supporting climate-resilient public health outcomes.”

The project is expected to benefit about five million people, including 2.5 million women and 1.5 million youth. In the Western Area alone, around 400,000 residents will gain improved water services, while 1.3 million people will benefit from better sanitation and hygiene, including 80,000 with upgraded sanitation in public facilities. The initiative will also create approximately 1,400 direct jobs, strengthen the capacity of 600 sector professionals, and expand fecal sludge treatment to 50,000 cubic meters per year—marking a major step toward a healthier and more resilient Sierra Leone.