By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in collaboration with WASH sector partners, commemorated World Water Day on Saturday 22 March 2025 at the Miatta Conference Centre, Youyi Building in Freetown. This year’s observance focused on the global theme, ‘Glacier Preservation,’ and the National theme, ‘Water Ecosystem Preservation,’ underscoring the importance of water and its ecosystems to human existence.
The event saw a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, and water sector experts, come together to highlight the critical need for sustainable water management practices and ensure that clean water remains accessible to all.
In her opening remarks, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, emphasized the importance of World Water Day, calling it a global event of significant relevance to the well-being of all human beings. “Water is essential for the existence of life, and the theme for this year resonates strongly with the government’s vision to prioritize water preservation and access for all,” she said.
Madam Barlay acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Water Resources and other partners, emphasizing the critical need for Sierra Leone to improve access to clean drinking water, particularly in rural areas and the provinces. She urged stakeholders to continue working towards increasing access to potable water and preserving the nation’s water resources. “Water is life,” she stressed, “Without it, there would be no existence on Earth.”
The Minister also called on all Sierra Leoneans, including both the public and private sectors, to take collective responsibility for water conservation. “It is our shared responsibility to ensure that water resources are carefully managed and protected,” she added. “The future of Sierra Leone and its citizens depend on the sustainable use of our water resources.”
Addressing the attendees on behalf of the Chairman of the Water Resources Committee in Parliament, Honourable Abdul Karim Kamara, Honourable Md. Adama Bangura echoed similar sentiments. She highlighted the global struggle for access to clean water, revealing that over two billion people worldwide still lack safe drinking water. “Access to clean water is not a privilege; it is a fundamental human right that every citizen should enjoy,” she stated. “As we mark this day, let us remember that millions of people around the world are still affected by water-related challenges, which remind us of the urgent need to promote and preserve the water resources we have.”
Honourable Bangura further emphasized the need for innovative solutions to conserve water and ensure that no one is left behind in the quest for clean water. She commended the efforts of the government and development partners in improving access to clean and affordable water for Sierra Leone’s citizens.
The keynote address was delivered by Ing. George Lamin Vandi, Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Water Resources. He underscored the country’s rich natural resources and the importance of taking care of them. “Every drop of water, whether it comes from the sea, the lakes, or any other source, should be seen as an essential commodity for every human being,” he said. “The water ecosystem is fragile, and we must focus not only on water quantity but also on water quality to safeguard human health and well-being.”
Ing. Vandi also addressed the significance of this year’s theme, stressing the critical issues surrounding water and how they affect both local and global communities. “Preserving our water ecosystem is paramount,” he said, adding that it is essential for ensuring that future generations have access to clean and safe water.
Herbert Jones, the President of the Water Production Union, also provided a statement, reinforcing the importance of preserving water resources and ensuring equitable access to clean water for all citizens. “We must focus on making sure that water production is sustainable and that our resources are managed with care,” he said. “Access to clean and safe drinking water should not be a luxury but a basic right for everyone, regardless of their background or geographic location.”
BIOYE OGUNJOBI, a WASH Specialist and representative from UNICEF, delivered an impactful statement, underlining the role of children and communities in advocating for water conservation. “It is critical to invest in water and sanitation as a means to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for all, especially the most vulnerable populations,” she said. “Through proper sanitation, education, and access to clean water, we can make substantial strides in achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals.”
The commemoration of World Water Day 2025 in Sierra Leone was a vital opportunity for all sectors to come together to reflect on the urgent need to preserve water ecosystems, promote innovation in water conservation, and ensure that all citizens have access to clean, safe drinking water. The event reinforced the commitment to water preservation, access, and equity, both for Sierra Leoneans and for people around the world.
