Lakka: The government of Sierra Leone has initiated a Climate-Resilient Water Investment Program to address increasing water challenges and enhance long-term stability. Officials announced this during the inauguration of a five-day workshop held at Occasions Resort in Lakka, near Freetown. According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the program is developed with support from the African Union, the Global Water Partnership, and the Green Climate Fund. This initiative is part of a broader effort involving 15 African nations aimed at bridging the gap in water investment and achieving water security by 2030. During the opening ceremony, Regional Program Officer Joseph Mbinji emphasized the necessity for coordinated action. He highlighted that the initiative has transitioned from stakeholder identification to intricate planning with technical assistance. Mbinji stated that the process is significant, not ordinary, and carries the backing of African Union Heads of State, demonstrating a continental commitment to clima te-resilient water investments. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Allieu Bakarr Conteh, remarked on the timeliness of the program as Sierra Leone grapples with issues such as flooding, drought, coastal erosion, and increased pressure on water systems. Conteh expressed the program's aim to create a robust pipeline of investment-ready projects capable of attracting climate finance and delivering tangible benefits for the population. He further noted that the program would enhance access to international climate funding while developing practical roadmaps and bankable projects aligned with national development objectives.