Sierra Leone is a post-conflict country in Western Africa of roughly 72,000 square kilometres and over 6 million inhabitants. Since the end of the 11-year civil war in 2002, International partners have supported Sierra Leone in rebuilding. Much work in terms of reconstruction and rehabilitation has been done, albeit inadequately, and much focus remains on the reestablishment of public service delivery and reforming and strengthening governance systems. About 60% of the population are estimated to live under the poverty line, with a concentration in rural areas. According to the UN Water Global Annual Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking Water (GLAAS) carried out in 2010, Sierra Leone is off-track on both indicators and very far from meeting the MDGs. More than 40% of the population in Sierra Leone do not have access to clean drinking water, and about 60% do not have access to adequate sanitation. The GLAAS stated that 51% of the population only have access to unimproved sources of drinking water, and that 24% of the population practice open defecation with all the health risks involved.

This project establishes access to clean water based on rain harvesting and improved wells in rural districts in the Kenema district. Three villages are included, Norway, Elises Town and London, reaching a total of 3,500 persons. In addition to water supply, the project introduces Ventilated Improved Pit latrines, and Community Lead Total Sanitation, a sanitation strategy that triggers communities to change sanitation habits. 

The project improves the health and sanitation conditions for the rural communities, to the benefit of approx. 3,500 of the poorest people in the district. 

The project contributes to clean water and sanitation in compliance with the current UN Sustainable Development Goals.