By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
On Friday, March 1st, 2024, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) announced the commencement of a one-year project aimed at increasing safe water access in Freetown. This initiative, funded by the Government of Japan, seeks to reduce waterborne diseases and enhance safe water accessibility in the city.
According to the press release issued by the Senior Media and Communications Analyst of UNOPS, the project, signed in partnership with the Government of Japan and the Guma Valley Water Company through the Japan Supplementary Fund, will focus on improving and expanding access to safe water, minimizing water loss, and enhancing the resilience of water network systems.
Titled “Urgency Support for Reducing Waterborne Diseases in Freetown,” the project aims to boost access to safe water and mitigate waterborne diseases in the area. Running from March 1st, 2024, to February 28th, 2025, the one-year initiative will provide support to the Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC) in its efforts to ensure safe water access in Freetown, as detailed by UNOPS.
UNOPS highlighted the significant impact of decreasing water availability on Freetown’s water supply system, leading to an intermittent supply system necessitating rationing to serve consumers. Factors such as leakages along aged pipes, extensive connections, and water theft further exacerbate water loss issues, according to UNOPS.
The press release emphasized the prevalence of waterborne diseases like typhoid and diarrhea due to poor water access, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. UNOPS attributed water pollution in Sierra Leone primarily to sewage efflux and surface runoff into boreholes, streams, and rivers. The “Urgency Support for Reducing Waterborne Diseases in Freetown” project aims to address these challenges.
UNOPS expressed confidence that by the project’s conclusion, water losses would diminish in targeted areas, system operations would be optimized, water quality would improve, and incidents of waterborne diseases would decrease. Ultimately, this initiative aims to enhance and expand access to safe water in Freetown.
