The Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Francis Alpha Kallon has positioned Sierra Leone’s readiness to fight climate change that affects water resources sustainability in the country.

The deputy minister made this known at the 6th Cairo Water Week that ran from October 30th to November 2nd in the Egyptian Capital. The event is to maintain focus on climate change on the continent and had as theme: Adaptation in the Water Sector for Sustainability.

It is the initiative of Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. The week also hosted the steering committee meeting of ministers from 12 African countries and other organizations of AWARE.

In his presentation at the 1st Steering Committee Meeting of the Water Adaptation and Resilience Initiative (AWARE) Agenda, the minister informed the forum that the Government of Sierra Leone has established a “Water Fund’ expected to facilitate investment in the day-to-day solutions to climate change that impacts on water sustainability. The forum brought together actors to discuss climate change on water use and how it hampers development. As the water sector forms an important part of climate change, funding mobilization for water at COP 28 was part of the agenda.

The programme is also aligned with SDG No. 6 which talks about the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The meeting aimed to discuss the progress of the initiative and to identify ways to enhance its effectiveness.

The Deputy Minister expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the meeting, saying it was important that AWARE was determined to help countries in addressing water-related challenges. He said the meeting was timely for Sierra Leone because of the steps the government is undertaking to tackle the water problem. “Water problem in the western area and its environs is exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and environmental degradation. There is a need for investment to tackle this problem,” he noted; saying Sierra Leone is the 18th in Africa and 59th in the world when it comes to climate change vulnerability.

He disclosed that the president has the political will as he will be launching the USS 20 Million Water Fund in January 2024. “President Bio has pledged US$ 2 Million as his government’s commitment to the fund,” he disclosed.

On the continental front, the minister also emphasized the need for continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the success of the initiative.

The AWARE initiative is a joint -effort by several African countries to promote sustainable water management practices and to build resilience against climate change.

The initiative is supported by various international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Development Bank (AIDB).