Freetown: The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation officials, in collaboration with the Water Directorate, Sanitation Unit, Water Union, and Sierra Leone Water Regulatory Commission, concluded a five-day monitoring exercise targeting water-production companies across Freetown and the peninsula region.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the exercise, which ran from 18-22 August 2026, covered 41 production facilities distributed throughout central, western, and eastern Freetown as well as the surrounding peninsula areas. The monitoring teams focused on compliance with safe drinking water production requirements, identifying necessary corrective actions, technical support needs, and regulatory interventions.
The inspections evaluated various criteria, including water quality standards, hygiene conditions, sanitation practices, equipment functionality, filter systems, ultraviolet treatment units, storage tank conditions, pH monitoring, chlorine residual testing, fumigation records, waste management protocols, wastewater disposal methods, worker hygiene practices, and regulatory documentation completeness.
Compliance levels varied significantly among the visited facilities. Some operations demonstrated exemplary practices with clean production environments, operational UV systems, regular tank cleaning schedules, proper waste collection and recycling programs, consistent fumigation, well-maintained equipment, and complete regulatory paperwork. However, multiple facilities exhibited deficiencies that could potentially compromise drinking water quality and safety.
Hygiene and sanitation emerged as primary concerns across production areas. Numerous facilities lacked adequate hygiene systems, proper drainage infrastructure, and appropriate environmental controls. One facility reportedly used the production room as sleeping quarters, with personal items stored near production equipment.
Filter maintenance also presented challenges. Several operations used dirty filters, failed to replace filters regularly, or employed unsuitable filters for potable water production. Inspectors advised operators to establish formal schedules for filter inspection, cleaning, and replacement.
pH readings ranged from approximately 6.2 to 6.8 across monitored facilities, with multiple operations recording lower-range values requiring further technical evaluation and corrective measures. Furthermore, chlorine monitoring was inadequate at numerous facilities, with some operations recording zero chlorine levels and others maintaining no chlorine records. The monitoring team emphasized the importance of regular monitoring and documentation of all applicable water treatment parameters.
Fumigation practices, waste management systems, wastewater disposal methods, and drainage infrastructure showed notable weaknesses during the inspection. Despite these challenges, operators generally welcomed the monitoring exercise and requested additional training in water treatment procedures, hygiene maintenance, equipment upkeep, and regulatory compliance standards.
The monitoring team recommended that the Ministry and regulatory bodies strengthen routine inspection programs and unannounced visits. They further advised continuous operator training covering water treatment protocols and quality monitoring procedures. Companies received guidance on maintaining clean production environments, restricting unauthorized personnel from production areas, keeping current regulatory documentation, and properly recording water quality test results.