BY PROBLYN J ALPHA
Residents of Tankoro District in Kono have been grappling with a severe water crisis, particularly during the dry seasons, prompting urgent calls for government and community intervention. Areas such as Tankoro camp, Kambaima Street, and the Old Police Station face acute shortages due to geographical challenges, leaving residents with limited access to clean water.
Kumba Saquee, a resident of the Old Police Station area, highlighted the dire situation, pointing out that a single hand pump serving the entire community often runs dry early during dry spells. This scarcity forces children to travel long distances to fetch water, resulting in late arrivals at school and hampering academic performance. Saquee expressed concern over the risks involved in resorting to nearby mined-out pits for laundry and other household chores, especially for children.
Christiana Gborie echoed these concerns, emphasizing the repeated appeals made to authorities for assistance, seemingly falling on deaf ears. She urged Honourable Rebecca Yei Sam to expedite the completion of a pump project initiated in the area, which could alleviate the ongoing water crisis.
Chief Kai Lebbie of Tankoro camp underscored the hardships faced by women and children, who bear the brunt of water scarcity. He emphasized the critical importance of water for human survival and called on stakeholders and humanitarian organizations to fulfill their promises in addressing the issue.
In a separate development, due collectors of the Koidu New Sembehun City Council staged a sit-down strike on February 12, 2024, citing non-payment of salaries for seven months. The administration responded by promising to settle the outstanding salaries within a week, leading to the resumption of work by the due collectors.
The combined efforts of government authorities, community leaders, and humanitarian organizations are urgently needed to address the water crisis in Tankoro District and ensure the welfare of its residents.
