The Minister of Water Resources, Ing. Phillip K. Lansana, has on Wednesday September 9, 2020 in Freetown launched the sustainable water project in the Western Area. The project is supported by World Vision as part of its COVID-19 emergency response crafted after the swift engagement with them by the Ministry of Water Resources.
The Sustainable Water Project comprises the provision of 3 new solar powered boreholes, rehabilitation of water supply infrastructure in selected communities and three hospitals, installation of storage tanks and emergency water trucking.
Speaking at the launch, Ing. Lansana attributed the poor water supply situation in Freetown and the integrity of infrastructure to age.
“The effect of the inadequacy of water supply in Freetown is exacerbated with the incident of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the intervention of World Vision International is apt and timely especially when the proposed facilities are for undeserved and unserved communities of the east end of Freetown, and for the three strategic hospitals that have dire need for potable water supply,” he stated.
Minister Lansana said that New Direction Government is poised to achieving the SDG 6.1, which is provision of water for all by 2030, also reflected in both the manifesto of the ruling party- SLPP and the Sierra Leone National Medium Term Development Plan.
“The Government of Sierra Leone through my Ministry is working relentlessly in achieving this task through several water supply projects and the management of water resources including this activity,” the Minister affirmed.
He stated that because of the significant contributions World Vision is making towards achieving the SDG 6, and the Medium Term National Development targets, his Ministry is in the process of signing a memorandum of understanding with them in addition to the existing service level agreement.
The Hon. Minister appreciated World Vision for assisting his Ministry provide water supply to communities in the operational districts in Freetown and Koidu City during the Corona lockdowns and to also provide for vulnerable groups in Kono.
He called on all parties that will be involved in delivering this project to do so on time so that services are restored to the intended beneficiaries.
National Director, World Vision Sierra Leone, James Chifwélu, lauded the government for creating the space for them to continue undertaking their projects. He said that they have been working with the Ministry of Water Resources and GUMA Valley water company for the realization of such project.
11/09/2020. ISSUE NO: 7907