Freetown:The Water Resources Ministry has highlighted an urgent need for recruitment, improved welfare, and increased funding to tackle severe staff shortages that threaten the nation’s water supply and sanitation services.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, this request was made during the ministry's 2027 manpower planning and budget proposal hearing held in Freetown with the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO).
Deputy Secretary Raymond S. Komba emphasized the necessity of adequate human and financial resources to expand access to safe drinking water, enhance water quality monitoring, improve waste management, and promote sustainable hygiene practices. Komba also outlined the ministry's seven-year strategic plans, which include improvements in water monitoring, coordination meetings, and staff training on solar-powered boreholes. For 2027, the ministry aims to intensify project monitoring, strengthen laboratory testing, procure equipment, and expand WASH services in schools and healthcare facilities.
Despite progress, Komba noted ongoing challenges such as inadequate staffing, limited training, delayed funds, and insufficient logistics support. He mentioned the absence of dedicated budget lines for the Environmental Sanitation Directorate and incomplete sanitation transfers from the Health Ministry.
Assistant Director of HR Analysis Sonniya Rodcy Jah reported that there are currently 186 staff members, with 263 positions vacant across administrative, water, and sanitation directorates. Jah pointed out that incomplete sanitation personnel transfers complicate management, payroll, and retirement planning. She advocated for the recruitment of critical technical and public health positions, improved promotions, and recognition of qualifications. The ministry has proposed approximately Le 5.7 million for composite salary costs and Le 913,236 for promotions.
HRMO officials raised questions about staffing records, sanitation legal frameworks, laboratory capacity, and WASH coordination. They expressed concerns over salary disparities affecting transitioning sanitation personnel and urged the ministry to clarify designations, establish proper structures, and resolve payroll issues. Ministry representatives acknowledged the incomplete transition and pledged continued collaboration with the Health Ministry. Participants emphasized the need for timely funding, transport, equipment, and stronger community sanitation monitoring.