NWRMA Boss Exposes Ineptitude In Water Sector
By Abdul Rahman Bah
The newly appointed Director General of the National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA), Ing. Pierre Palmer, has unveiled an ambitious 100-day action plan designed to reset the institution, strengthen water sector governance, and fast-track reforms across Sierra Leone. The rollout, announced on 18 November 2025, follows a detailed diagnostic review that examined the former administration’s handover notes, internal reports, and assessments from every department.
According to insiders, the review exposed long-standing institutional weaknesses ranging from delayed operational workflows and inadequate technical structures, to coordination gaps that have hindered the Agency’s ability to respond effectively to nationwide water challenges. Palmer said the findings made it clear that the Agency needed a new tempo, a new spirit of accountability, and a practical strategy that produces results quickly enough to rebuild public confidence.
He explained that the 100-day plan prioritizes “low-hanging fruits” strategic interventions that are realistic, immediately achievable, and capable of delivering visible improvement in record time. These include tightening internal administrative systems, enhancing data collection, improving field-level monitoring, and clearing backlogs that have slowed departmental work. Palmer emphasized that visible progress within the first few months is essential to reposition NWRMA as a credible and responsive national institution.
The new Director General also highlighted deeper structural challenges that the plan seeks to correct. These include modernizing the Agency’s technical capacity, strengthening regulatory enforcement mechanisms, and improving interdepartmental communication. He noted that Sierra Leone’s water landscape is changing rapidly due to population growth, climate pressures, and increasing demand, making it vital for NWRMA to operate with sharper precision and stronger institutional discipline.
During a briefing with senior staff, Palmer stressed that water governance is a national priority and that the Agency must reflect that urgency. He urged department heads to align their activities with the reform plan and to uphold new performance benchmarks. He described the first 100 days as “the foundation upon which a more reliable, transparent, and efficient water management system will be built.”
Departmental representatives welcomed the diagnostic process, noting that it has given them clarity on the Agency’s long-standing operational problems and a shared sense of direction. Many expressed optimism that the new roadmap could finally resolve issues that have slowed the Agency’s progress for years.
As Sierra Leone continues to grapple with increasing water scarcity, uneven supply systems, and climate-related risks, the success of Palmer’s 100-day plan could shape the country’s long-term water security. The coming weeks will test the Agency’s ability to translate reform intentions into real impact, both internally and across communities that depend heavily on NWRMA’s effectiveness.
