Freetown Aquatic WASH and Environment Project

Adaptation Need

Sierra Leone, with 13% of its land area and more than 35% of the population exposed to multiple climate hazards, is one of the most climate vulnerable countries in Africa. Inadequate urban drainage systems heighten flood risks, particularly in Freetown, where floods have become a yearly occurrence, displacing communities, and disrupting water supply, sanitation, and electricity services. Women and girls bear a disproportionate burden in accessing safe water and often face health, safety, and educational setbacks as a result. Thus, investments in integrated water resources management and sanitation services need to address climate risks and integrate strategies for gender responsiveness to ensure community and livelihood resilience.

GCA’s Added Value

GCA is supporting the development of a concept note and US$112 million funding proposal to the GCF for FWASReP by contributing expert technical content. GCA mobilized expert support to strengthen the integration of climate adaptation into the project design, inform the development of a climate-risk-informed Gender Action Plan, and enhance gender responsiveness in the environmental and social assessment. GCA also contributed specialized economic analysis to guide investment planning for resilient water and sanitation infrastructure and nature-based solutions, helping establish the project’s climate rationale and economic case for funding.