By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a move aimed to strengthening national systems and enhancing environmental governance, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sierra Leone has officially handed over seven Toyota Land Cruisers to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The handover marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between the UNDP and Sierra Leone’s public institutions.
The vehicles, which were procured using EPA’s own resources, were acquired through UNDP’s Service Delivery approach—an innovative model that supports government agencies in managing and utilising their resources more efficiently, transparently, and effectively. The approach is part of UNDP’s broader efforts to build institutional capacity and support sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative Fredrick Ampiah reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the government in delivering better services.
“We are committed to helping government agencies do more with less—maximising impact and strengthening service delivery,” said Mr. Ampiah. “This handover is more than the transfer of vehicles; it’s a demonstration of how development cooperation can build national ownership and empower institutions to deliver.”
The seven vehicles are expected to significantly improve EPA’s operational capacity, particularly in field monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations across the country. With increasing environmental challenges such as deforestation, illegal mining, and climate-related risks, enhanced mobility will allow the EPA to respond more swiftly and effectively to issues requiring urgent attention.
Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the EPA, Madam Ramatu Baindu Massaquoi, Director of Administration, expressed gratitude to UNDP for its continued technical and operational support.
“These vehicles will go a long way in boosting our field operations and strengthening our presence in key environmental hotspots,” she said. “This is a strong example of collaboration that delivers real, tangible results for Sierra Leone.”
The EPA, as the primary body responsible for environmental protection and management in the country, plays a critical role in safeguarding natural resources and promoting sustainable development. With the addition of these vehicles to its fleet, the agency is expected to increase its outreach, improve monitoring and enforcement, and ensure greater visibility across the nation.
UNDP’s Service Delivery approach aligns with its wider mandate to support governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to environmental sustainability, institutional capacity building, and effective governance.
This latest handover also reflects UNDP’s strategic shift towards fostering national ownership and using national systems to drive development. By using EPA’s own funds, the process not only built procurement and financial management skills within the agency but also reinforced the importance of accountability and efficient resource utilisation.
As Sierra Leone continues to tackle complex environmental and developmental challenges, partnerships like that between the UNDP and EPA are proving essential in driving progress and delivering meaningful change on the ground.
