By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has renewed its commitment to achieving an open defecation-free Sierra Leone as the nation commemorates World Toilet Day 2025 under the global theme: “Sanitation in a Changing World.” The national observance, scheduled to take place in Moyamba, will convene Government officials, development partners and community representatives to assess progress and outline actions needed to strengthen sanitation across the country.

Speaking at a Press Conference on Tuesday, 17 November 2025, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Dr. Sao Kpato Hannah Isatta Macarthy said Sierra Leone is steadily advancing in its Open Defecation-Free (ODF) campaign, with several chiefdoms already verified and declared compliant.

“Our goal is to ensure that by the end of the implementation of the national strategic plan, Sierra Leone will be an open defecation-free country,” she said. “It is a whole process but we are moving gradually. This work reflects our commitment to sanitation, dignity and public health.”

Dr. Sao Kpato Hannah Isatta Macarthy said the choice of Moyamba as host district aligns with the Ministry’s decentralization strategy, aimed at involving communities outside the capital in major national activities.

“This is a national program. We don’t want it to be restricted to Freetown,” she explained. “We have hosted similar celebrations in various locations across the country. Moyamba was selected this year because several of its chiefdoms are about to be declared open defecation-free.

Decentralization is important because the majority of our population lives outside the capital.”

The Minister also highlighted persistent sanitation challenges in the country’s expanding slum communities. She noted that many coastal and low-lying settlements face difficult terrains and rising water tables that complicate the construction of safe and durable toilets.

“It can be extremely challenging to build proper sanitation facilities in these areas,” she said. “That is why the Government has made several attempts to relocate residents to safer locations. But while they remain there, we continue to provide makeshift solutions, education on hygiene and guidance on safe waste disposal.”

Dr. Sao Kpato Hannah Isatta Macarthy further stressed the need to expand public toilet infrastructure, especially in underserved urban communities where reliance on privately owned facilities remains high.

“A single toilet serving many people poses health risks,” she said. “We work with NGOs and councils to build additional toilets and put systems in place where communities can contribute small amounts to support maintenance. Access is key and our new urban project will deliver several toilets across Western Urban and Western Rural.”

Permanent Secretary, Allieu Bakarr Conteh, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment noting that the sanitation campaign extends beyond the 26 chiefdoms already declared ODF.

“Our responsibility goes beyond declarations,” he said. “We are ensuring that sanitation services reach every community, no matter how remote or underserved.”

Sierra Leone marks World Toilet Day 2025 with the Government and its partners pledging to strengthen sanitation systems, improve hygiene practices and address the evolving environmental and urban challenges affecting communities nationwide. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/ministry-of-water-resources-and-sanitation-reaffirms-commitment-to-an-open-defecation-free-sierra-leone/