IsDB Concludes Successful Technical Appraisal Mission for Grafton Water and Sanitation Project

A team from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Regional Hub in Dakar has successfully concluded a week-long technical appraisal mission in Freetown, marking a significant step forward for the proposed Grafton Water and Sanitation project under the broader umbrella of the Freetown WASH & Aquatic Environment Revamping Project (WASHAERP) in the Western Area.

The mission, which took place from September 8th to 12th, 2025, was the second of its kind in less than three months. It aimed to conduct a comprehensive technical review of the Grafton Water Supply and Sanitation Project, a new component under the broader WASHAERP initiative.

The appraisal focused on evaluating the technical scope, cost, and design of the project while also confirming the proposed project structure, implementation arrangements, and procurement strategy.

During the visit, the IsDB team held in-depth discussions with key 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 operating in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

In her engagement with the IsDB team, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Sao Kpato Hannah Isata Macarthy warmly welcomed the delegation and emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to achieving water security for the people of Sierra Leone.

The Minister highlighted the Government’s proactive efforts to court investments, protect vulnerable water systems, mitigate the impacts of water-related hazards, ensure access to essential water services, and manage water resources in an integrated and equitable manner.

The discussions led to the validation of the results framework, agreement on procurement packaging, and confirmation of compliance with relevant land acquisition, Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), and Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) regulations.

As part of the appraisal, the IsDB team conducted field inspections at several ongoing and proposed project sites. These included the Kongo Dam and Babadorie Reservoir in Regent, the Allen Town Treatment Plant rehabilitation and expansion project, and the proposed water and sanitation project sites at Makaiba (Grafton) and the Grafton Camp for War-Displaced Persons.

Led by Eddie-Omar Davis, the IsDB team engaged directly with community members and local stakeholders at these locations, assuring them that the upcoming interventions will significantly improve water and sanitation access for Grafton and surrounding communities.

Speaking during the mission at Makaiba, the Managing Director of Guma Valley Water Company, Ing. Maada S. Kpenge reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to treating all Project Affected Persons (PAPs) fairly, in line with both local laws and international best practices regarding resettlement and compensation.

The IsDB team expressed strong satisfaction with both the documentation reviewed and the findings from the field visits. The final technical appraisal report will be submitted to the IsDB Board of Executive Directors in November 2025.

This submission marks a critical milestone toward the final approval and implementation of the WASHAERP project.

Once approved, the project is expected to significantly enhance water supply and sanitation infrastructure in the Western Area, benefitting thousands of residents and advancing national development goals in the WASH sector.