The Minister of Water Resources, Ing. Philip K Lansana, has said his Ministry prioritises water resources management and will therefore ensure the strongest support for the country’s water resources management.
He said this when he visited the National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA)’s new office at King Harman Road, Freetown. He was accompanied by the Deputy Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and other officials of the Ministry.
The Minister said he was very impressed with strides taken so far by the Agency to protect and properly manage the country’s water resources, amidst the thorny issues around water, especially when it involves other government ministries, departments and agencies. He furthered that in the short time the Agency has come into operation, it has been very instrumental in the Ministry’s work in establishing the fine lines of Water Resources Management.
“You have a very huge responsibility to protect our water resources, and we as a Ministry will give you all the support you need.” The Minister said.
The NWRMA Director General, Junisa P. Bangali Esq., said his Agency is grateful for the confidence shown in its work by the Ministry. He said they had a rough start, but with support from the Ministry, the Millennium Challenge Corporation through the Millennium Challenge Coordinating Unit, UNICEF and other partners, they have found their footing, and are rising to the challenges.
He briefed the Minister on the Western Area Water Catchment Assessment Exercise conducted early this year, and the monthly water quality tests regularly done along the Rokel River.
“The COVID19 pandemic has hugely impacted the Agency’s work, as many water users are not fully operational presently, but our work continues and some water users are regularizing their status with us.
We moved into our own office space in May this year, after being hosted by the Ministry’s Water Directorate for fourteen months.”The Director-General said.
The National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA) was formed by Act No. 5 of 2017. It was one of the recommendations of the National Water and Sanitation Policy of 2010.
The Agency has broad functions of regulating, utilizing, protecting, developing, conserving, control, and management of water resources in Sierra Leone.
Credit: NWRM Communications Unit
