bY: Saidu Jalloh
The Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC) has announced that it requires $3.6 billion to ensure a sustainable water supply for Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone. This announcement was made by Production Manager Mohamed I. Koroma during a conference held in Waterloo.
Koroma emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing a six-year master plan that outlines the critical need for this investment. Despite recent support from China, including a new hydro dam facility, the company faces significant challenges in meeting the growing demands of the city.
One major concern is the contamination of water sources, such as Charlotte’s Waterfall, due to human waste and other pollutants. This has forced the company to cease using the waterfall for public supply, impacting communities like Allen Town. While the government has allocated $6 million to improve the water system in Allen Town, the supply remains limited, and many residents continue to suffer from water shortages.
Koroma warned that these issues will persist until 2026 unless urgent action is taken to address environmental concerns and invest in new infrastructure. GVWC plans to construct ten new dams within Freetown to improve water supply, but these projects will require substantial funding and adequate electricity. Additionally, the company identified several areas at high risk of disasters that could disrupt water operations.
Councillor Salamatu Koroma, Chairperson of the Environment Committee for the Waterloo Western Rural District, echoed the concerns raised by GVWC and urged local stakeholders to enforce environmental regulations more strictly to protect water sources.
