By Ibrahim S. Bangura
On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Government of Iceland officially signed the second phase of their partnership aimed at improving access to Climate Resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in Sierra Leone. This initiative seeks to significantly enhance access to climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene services, particularly in rural fishing communities in Sierra Leone.
The signing ceremony which was held at the UNICEF Office in New England Ville, Freetown, was attended by representatives from UNICEF and the Government of Iceland. This agreement builds upon a successful partnership launched in December 2022, when Phase 1 was signed with a commitment of US$6 million. This initial phase targeted eight fishing communities across 6 districts: Western Area Rural, Port Loko, Moyamba, Kambia, Pujehun, and Bonthe.
The second phase of the partnership, which commits an additional US$ 6.4 million, will expand WASH services to nine more communities: Gbondapi, Saama, York Island, Mbokie, Yagoi, Mania, Yangesite, Yeliboya, and Mahela Capital Wharf. The project includes construction of WASH facilities in communities, schools, and health centers, as well as communal toilets, fish landings, and processing platforms. It also involves the formation and training of WASH committees.
UNICEF is working closely with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to achieve the following outcomes by June 2027: 55,363 people (27,128 males and 28,235 females) including children in 17 target communities will have access to sustainable, climate-resilient water supply and sanitation systems, managed by the communities; 8,422 schoolchildren (3,983 boys and 4,439 girls) from 20 schools in the target communities, including Tombo, will benefit from basic WASH services and practice safe sanitation and hygiene; 5,710 adolescent girls in the target communities will have access to menstrual health and hygiene services in schools and at home, and practice proper menstrual hygiene management; patients and caregivers in nine healthcare facilities across the target communities will have access to basic WASH services and proper waste management systems, Women and men in fishing across communities will have access to improved and hygienic fish landing and processing facilities, adopting hygienic practices for value-added fish processing, better sales, and enhanced livelihoods and 1,120 children aged 3–5 years in ten priority fishing communities will attend Early Childhood Development centers, gaining enhanced opportunities for learning and development.
Since 2019, the partnership between UNICEF and the Government of Iceland has already benefited over 50,000 people in Tombo, Goderich, and Konacrydee by providing safe water through gravity-fed systems and solar-powered boreholes, as well as sanitation services. More than 18,500 people are now living in open defecation-free (ODF) environments, and fishing communities have hygienic fish sorting and processing facilities.
The primary objective of this partnership is to improve the livelihoods of these communities by ensuring reliable access to safe water and sanitation facilities. The project also aims to create a child-friendly environment that promotes better hygiene practices, contributing to the health and well-being of Sierra Leone’s youngest citizens.
Building on the success of Phase 1, the second phase will expand these efforts, addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change, including unpredictable rainfall patterns and water scarcity in many parts of the country.
This partnership between UNICEF and the Government of Iceland highlights a shared commitment to ensuring that marginalized communities have access to essential services. The collaboration will also enhance local capacity, empowering communities to take ownership of their water and sanitation infrastructure, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these services.
In addition to improving access to water and sanitation, the project will promote hygiene education and raise awareness about climate resilience. Community members, particularly women and children, will be engaged in discussions on climate change and sustainable water management.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to working together to improve the quality of life for Sierra Leone’s rural fishing communities, where water scarcity and poor sanitation have long been pressing challenges.
With the second phase, UNICEF and the Government of Iceland are setting a strong example of international cooperation for sustainable development, focused on creating lasting impact in the lives of children and families in Sierra Leone.
UNICEF Country Representative Rudolf Schwenk emphasized, “This project is about supporting water, sanitation, and hygiene services in many coastal areas across the country. This is very special, and we are working in collaboration with the ministries of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Water Resources and Sanitation, and Basic and Senior Secondary Education to implement this project.” He added that the project will benefit thousands of children and significantly improve their lives.
According to Asdis Bjarnadottir, Head of Mission at the Embassy of Iceland, “We are signing this agreement to continue our partnership with UNICEF and Sierra Leone for improving access to climate-resilient WASH in coastal communities. This second phase is targeting all the coastal communities of Sierra Leone. This is a crucial initiative, benefiting children and women, especially those in very remote areas.”