Living Water International Sierra Leone (LWISL) led a landmark commemoration of World Water Day 2026 on March 22, 2026 at Gbangbatoke Junction in Moyamba District, bringing together Government officials, traditional authorities, development partners and community members to celebrate progress in water access under the theme: “Water and Gender.”
The event, fully organized by LWISL, featured the official commissioning and handover of over 20 water points constructed across Temidele, Bagruwa, Kombora and Kargboro Chiefdoms. The initiative highlights the organization’s continued commitment to expanding access to safe drinking water while promoting gender equality and community development.
World Water Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, serves as a global platform to raise awareness on water-related challenges and supports the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 6.
This year’s theme: “Water and Gender,” emphasized the disproportionate burden placed on women and girls in accessing water. In many rural communities, they remain primarily responsible for water collection, often walking long distances, facing safety risks and sacrificing time that could otherwise be spent on education or economic activities.
Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, speaking at the event, stressed that improving equitable access to water is essential for empowering women, enhancing educational outcomes for girls and strengthening household and community resilience.
LWISL has significantly improved water access across Moyamba District. The commissioning of those water facilities marks a major milestone in reducing the burden of water collection and improving the quality of life for thousands of residents.
The Country Director of LWISL, Madam Rosemarie Yeama Blake, presented an overview of the organization’s work, reaffirming its dedication to sustainable, community-led water solutions. She emphasized the importance of integrating gender considerations into water governance structures, particularly by promoting women’s leadership in WASH committees.
The ceremony attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including Paramount Chiefs from participating chiefdoms, local community leaders, school representatives and women’s groups. Also in attendance was Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, alongside officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and representatives of the Moyamba District Council.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Alieu Bakarr Conteh, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the Government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with organizations like LWISL to accelerate progress in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector.
The well-structured ceremony featured a range of activities, including stakeholder introductions, goodwill messages and community testimonies, which provided powerful insights into the impact of safe water access. A school pupil and a WASH committee chairlady shared firsthand accounts of how the new water facilities have improved health, increased school attendance and enhanced livelihoods.
A symbolic transect walk to the water sites preceded the official commissioning, reinforcing transparency, accountability and community ownership of the facilities.
In the lead-up to the commemoration, LWISL spearheaded awareness campaigns, including radio talk shows and community outreach initiatives aimed at promoting water conservation, improved sanitation and gender equality in water management.
Those efforts form part of a broader strategy to drive behavioral change and ensure the long-term sustainability of water infrastructure in the district.
The event concluded with a renewed call for collaboration among stakeholders to sustain the gains made in water access. Key outcomes included increased awareness of the water crisis, strengthened institutional partnerships and enhanced community commitment to maintaining water facilities.
Moyamba District continues to make strides toward universal water access, with inclusive participation, particularly the involvement of women and girls, remaining central to achieving lasting impact.
“Ensuring equitable access to water empowers women, strengthens families and builds resilient communities,” a key message echoed throughout the event.
The successful organization of the World Water Day celebration by LWISL, coupled with the commissioning of over 20 water points, stands as a strong testament to the power of partnership, community engagement and a shared vision for a future where safe water is accessible to all.
