Mexico Honorary Consul Delivers Lifeline Water Project to Lakka Schools

Hundreds of schoolchildren in Lakka are set to benefit from improved access to clean and safe drinking water following the commissioning and handover of a modern water facility funded through a partnership between the Honorary Consulate of Mexico in Sierra Leone and the Lakka community.

The project, championed by Daklala M. Antar, Honorary Consul of Mexico in Sierra Leone, was officially unveiled on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, during celebrations marking the Day of the African Child. The event was held under the theme: “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.”

The newly installed facility, which includes large-capacity Milla water storage tanks and multiple standing taps, will serve pupils and staff of Gaston Junior Secondary School, Lakka Community Primary School, Lakka Nursery and Preparatory School, as well as other beneficiaries within the community.

For years, access to clean water has remained a challenge for many schools in Lakka, affecting sanitation, health and learning outcomes. The new intervention is expected to significantly ease those challenges while creating a healthier and more conducive learning environment for hundreds of pupils.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Lakka Community Headman, Peter Davies, praised the collaboration between the community and the Honorary Consulate of Mexico, describing the project as a major step toward improving water, sanitation and hygiene services in the area.

Davies revealed that the initial concept focused solely on the installation of public water taps. However, the involvement of Daklala M. Antar expanded the scope of the project to include the provision of Milla water storage tanks, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable water supply for the beneficiary schools.

He noted that each tank costs over NLe11,000, excluding installation and related expenses, highlighting the significance of the contribution made through the partnership.

“The support from the Honorary Consulate enabled us to go beyond our original plans. Today, our schools have not only access points for water but also storage facilities that will guarantee a steady supply for pupils and staff,” he stated.

Davies emphasized that access to clean water is fundamental to education, public health and community development, adding that the project aligns with his administration’s broader vision of improving living conditions within the community.

He urged school authorities, parents and community stakeholders to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance.

“Today’s achievement should inspire us to protect and preserve what has been provided. This investment belongs to the community, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that future generations continue to benefit from it,” he said.

Reaffirming his commitment to addressing water challenges in the community, Davies declared: “I am obliged to provide clean and safe drinking water for my community because water is my symbol.”

The ceremony attracted a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, parents, pupils and community leaders, many of whom commended the initiative and its potential impact on education and public health.

Several speakers paid tribute to Daklala M. Antar for his support, describing the project as a shining example of diplomacy translating into meaningful community development.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Salamatu Bangura, a parent; Tunde V.T. Small, Principal of Gaston Memorial Secondary School; Thomas Shellon, a community stakeholder; and other attendees. They noted that inadequate access to water had long posed difficulties for pupils, often forcing them to leave school premises in search of water and sanitation facilities.

The speakers expressed optimism that the new facility would improve school attendance, enhance hygiene standards and contribute to better academic performance.

In an emotional vote of thanks, a pupil from one of the beneficiary schools expressed gratitude to the Headman, the Executive and the project’s partners for addressing one of the schools’ most pressing needs.

The successful implementation of the project also highlights the growing development-focused role of Daklala M. Antar since his appointment as Honorary Consul of Mexico in Sierra Leone in April 2026.

His appointment was formally announced during a diplomatic ceremony at State House in Freetown, where the Mexican Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Norma Ang Sanchez, presented her Letters of Credence to President Julius Maada Bio and introduced Antar as Mexico’s Honorary Consul.

Since assuming office, Antar has pledged to deepen relations between Sierra Leone and Mexico through initiatives centered on trade, investment, agriculture, cultural exchange and community development.

Observers say the Lakka water project demonstrates the transformative impact that international partnerships can have on local communities, while strengthening bilateral cooperation between nations.

For the people of Lakka, however, the project represents far more than infrastructure. It stands as a symbol of hope, improved health, enhanced educational opportunities and a shared commitment to ensuring that every child has access to one of life’s most essential resources—clean and safe water.