A delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Regional Hub in Dakar has successfully wrapped up a week-long technical evaluation mission in Freetown, marking a major step forward for the proposed Grafton Water and Sanitation Project, which forms part of the wider Freetown WASH & Aquatic Environment Revamping Project (WASHAERP) in the Western Area.
Conducted from September 8th to 12th, 2025, this was the second mission in less than three months. Its purpose was to carry out a detailed technical assessment of the Grafton Water Supply and Sanitation Project, a new addition under the WASHAERP initiative.
The review focused on assessing the project’s scope, cost, and design, while also confirming the planned implementation structure, management arrangements, and procurement approach.
During the mission, the IsDB team held extensive consultations with major stakeholders, including the Ministries of Finance and Water Resources and Sanitation, the Guma Valley Water Company, Freetown City Council (FCC), Western Area Rural District Council (WARDC), as well as local and international NGOs engaged in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
In her interaction with the delegation, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Sao Kpato Hannah Isata Macarthy, warmly welcomed the team and reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to achieving water security for the people of Sierra Leone.
She highlighted the government’s proactive measures to attract investment, safeguard fragile water systems, address water-related hazards, expand access to essential services, and manage resources in an equitable and sustainable manner.
The discussions resulted in the validation of the results framework, agreement on procurement packaging, and confirmation of compliance with land acquisition requirements, the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), and the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).
As part of the appraisal, the team carried out site inspections at both ongoing and proposed project locations. These included the Kongo Dam and Babadorie Reservoir in Regent, the rehabilitation and expansion of the Allen Town Treatment Plant, and the proposed facilities at Makaiba (Grafton) and the Grafton Camp for War-Displaced Persons.
Led by Eddie-Omar Davis, the delegation also met directly with local communities and stakeholders at these sites, assuring them that the forthcoming interventions will deliver significant improvements in water and sanitation access for Grafton and neighboring communities.
Speaking during the mission at Makaiba, the Managing Director of Guma Valley Water Company, Ing. Maada S. Kpenge, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to treating all Project Affected Persons (PAPs) fairly and transparently, in line with national laws and international best practices on resettlement and compensation.
The IsDB team expressed high satisfaction with both the documentation reviewed and the field visit outcomes. A final technical evaluation report will be presented to the IsDB Board of Executive Directors in November 2025. This submission marks a key step toward the project’s final approval and subsequent implementation under WASHAERP.
Once endorsed, the initiative is expected to substantially improve water supply and sanitation services across the Western Area, positively impacting thousands of residents and advancing Sierra Leone’s broader development goals in the WASH sector.
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