A First Commentary by Sierra Leonean Diaspora Organizations
on the
National Commission for Privatization
Water and Sanitation Policy (June 2007 Edition)
Background
A Request for commentary on the Water and Sanitation Policy developed by the National Commission for Privatization was received on July 6th 2007. Based on the consultation by interested organizations, a decision was made to conduct a brief review of this policy document against the results of our many recent initiatives that dealt with the pressing water and sanitation issues in Sierra Leone.
A comprehensive review of this policy document will require additional time and a systematic consultation among relevant professionals and activist from within our collective membership. However, the Diaspora organizations see this as an opportunity to engage and participate in the process of water policy development as Type 1, 2 and 3 stakeholders. This initial submission reflects ongoing commitments as well as potential contributions by professionals and activists in the Sierra Leone Diaspora.
The rationale for a cross sector policy and collaboration by all stakeholders ushers in a new era of policy development within our country. We welcome this. Budgeted plans and implementation strategies must be built off this Water and Sanitation Policy to achieve the overall objective of careful water resource management for vital economic growth and poverty reduction. Members of the Sierra Leone Diaspora organizations are potential resource in bringing these next critical development steps to fruition within the relevant sectors.
To that end, we provide this commentary to highlight points from the brief review period and draw attention to the Diaspora’s past activities on water and sanitation issues that are aligned with the stated policy of this Water and Sanitation Policy. These activities range from moderated discussions, professional articles, online seminars, consultations, fundraising, knowledge management and sanitation projects on the ground.
This first commentary is the compilation of submissions outlined in the table below and is available in PDF format from the website of participating organizations as well as the Sierra Leone Water Portal knowledge space. The table shows the relevant water and sanitation policy objective that each submission addresses.
Click to DOWNLOAD DIASPORA COMMENTARY PDF.
Click to DOWNLOAD Water and Sanitation Policy
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SUBMISSIONS from DIASPORA ORGANIZATIONS |
RELEVANT Water and Sanitation Policy Objectives |
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National Organization of Sierra Leoneans in North America – NOSLINA http://www.noslina.org
 Article: Water, Sanitation and Health in Sierra Leona: Issues and solutions by Dr John O. Davis-Cole Ph.D, MPH, CPM.
Review Comments on Policy by Member Dr J. Davis Cole
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To address cross-sectoral interests in water, watershed management and integrated and participatory approaches for water resources planning, development and management |
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Sierra Leone Diaspora Network – SLDN
Http://www.sldn.org
Review Comments by Member, Peter Saidu Turay Phd. Msc, PGCE (FE), Managing Director AGRIENVIRON
Review Comments by SLDN.
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Water as a socially vital economic good needs careful management to sustain economic growth and to reduce poverty |
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African Foundation for Development – AFFORD
http://www.afford-uk.org
Chukwu-Emeka on the inclusion of gender/water consideration in the policy.
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A participatory approach that will help the conservation and protection of water resources in the country |
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Sierra Leone Network – SLN
Http://www.SierraLeoneNetwork.org
Lumley Beach Clean-up Project – Financial Support
SLDN Infrastructure Committee (Sheikh Tunis M.U.P, Adrian Q. Labor E.I.T and Samuel O. Atere-Roberts P.E)
 A Permanent Home for Solid Waste Management Responsibility of the Capital City Freetown. Adrian Q. Labor E.I.T
Freetown Solid Waste Management Company “De Dohti Business” Consultations – Webinar, Feb. 17, 2007
Review Comments from Samuel O. Atere-Roberts P.E. Project Manager, at an Atlanta Environmental Engineering Consulting Firm.
Sierra Leone Water Portal Http://www.Sierraleoneportal.net/water
Online Knowledge Management on Water Issues in Sierra Leone. |
To put in place implementation strategies for sustainable development and management of water resources in the changing roles of the Government from a major service provider to that of coordination, policy and guidelines formulation and regulation.
To develop a comprehensive framework for sustainable development and management of water resources, in which an effective legal and institutional framework will be put in place.
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ERMovement.org
http://www.ermovement.org/
Activists collaboration with Youth Group on Clean-up project in Freetown – Danna C. Labor
Online Knowledge Management on Sanitation Issues in Sierra Leone |
A participatory approach that will help the conservation and protection of water resources in the country |
For more information on this First Commentary on the June 2007 edition of the Water and Sanitation Policy, contact any of these organizations representatives.
NOSLINA Kwame Fitzjohn - cumale@aol.com
SLDN Georgina Awoonor-Gordon - gawoonorgordon@sldn.org.uk
AFFORD Chukwu-Emaka - chukwu-emeka@afford-uk.org
SLN Amadu Massally - amadu.massally@gmail.com,
ERM Danna C. Labor – infor@ermovement.org