By ophaniel.gooding@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – After an intensive three-day evaluation, the Guma Valley Water Company’s Board of Directors and Management have sounded a clarion call for immediate government intervention to safeguard crucial water catchment regions in the Western Area.
Conducted recently and culminating on April 19, 2024, the assessment concentrated on existing projects and pivotal water catchment locales, with a particular focus on the Mile 13 Dam in Sussex.
During the thorough inspection, the Board closely monitored numerous initiatives aimed at bolstering access to potable water and engaged in constructive dialogues with contractors to address any prevailing challenges. The examination spanned various sites, including the Allen Town Reservoir, Kongo Dam, Babadorie Reservoir at Regent, Hill Station Circular Tank, Angola Water Supply System, Gbogboyeama Gravity Water Supply Scheme at Waterloo, and Mambo Gravity Water Supply Scheme.
Of significant concern were the encroached and deforested areas surrounding the Guma Dam at Banga Farm, Sussex, and the River No. 2 Communities.
While progress on active projects generally met expectations, financial limitations have impeded the timely completion of the Gbogboyema and Mambo Gravity Water Supply Schemes.
Subsequent to the assessment, Hon. Bintu Myers, Chairman of the Board, urged governmental prioritization in safeguarding water catchment territories, especially around the Guma Dam at Mile 13. Myers emphasized the imperative nature of allocating funds to expedite stalled projects and highlighted the pressing issue of deforestation, despite prior government assurances to tackle this challenge.
Myers remarked, “We are thus urging the government to pursue stringent legal measures against those engaged in land grabbing and deforestation within water catchment zones, lest the water supply situation in Freetown deteriorate annually due to these egregious actions.”
The Board pledged collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to tackle challenges identified during the inspection, devising comprehensive solutions to propel stagnant water supply initiatives forward. OG/23/4/2024