By Ing. Mohamed Fornah (Water and Transportation Engineer)
“Imagine waking up on the 1st of January 2030. Taps dried up. Boreholes empty. All the water canisters in your apartment are consumed. What will you do?
Water is definitely a source of life. But for many residents in our capital, Freetown, and communities like Dworzak, Ginger Hall, Kroo Bay, and others, the shortage of water or thereof threatens the existence of these communities. Have you ever awoken in the middle of the night to the sounds of footsteps marching to probably the only borehole in the community? Most young people are deprived of sleep, some without enough time to study and prepare for school the next day. And lest I forget, young girls vulnerable to prying predators waiting to take advantage of their desire to fetch water for their household.
I have seen this all living in Brookfield’s community, where I faced these same challenges struggling for water during my college days or at least heard stories from colleagues residing in communities with less or no access to water.
As if these instances are not enough, we are now dealing with a complex water dilemma that combines the negative impacts of climate change with the ripple effects of human activity on water catchment areas.
It is, therefore, critical to identify the underlying reasons for the situation and investigate creative solutions to guarantee a sustainable water supply for the people of Freetown as demand rises and natural reservoirs experience increasing strain.
The dilemma stems from the deterioration of water catchment areas caused by human activity- illegal logging, deforestation, and specific agricultural practices. The natural ability of these places to hold and filter water is diminished when significant vegetation is removed, which increases runoff, soil erosion, and sedimentation in water sources.
In addition, the threat of climate change is ever-present and increases Freetown’s difficulties. Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and changing rainfall patterns all add to the unpredictable nature of water availability.
The infrastructure supporting the water supply is strained by protracted dry seasons and heavy rainfall events, making it difficult to collect and store enough water to meet the city’s needs.
I acknowledge the efforts made by the mayor of the Freetown City Council, including planting 1 million trees, with 300,000 trees already in the ground. Additionally, rehabilitation and construction of water infrastructures are ongoing, thanks to collaborative initiatives by GUMA Valley Water Company and other development partners.
Despite these measures, the efficacy of these efforts depends on the protection and security of catchment areas.
To address the challenge, we must concentrate on comprehensive solutions considering human-caused degradation and climate-related problems. Furthermore, the persistent threat of climate change exacerbates Freetown’s challenges.
Water availability is variable due to a variety of factors, including changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and extreme weather occurrences. It is challenging to gather and store enough water to meet the city’s needs since long dry seasons and intense rainfall events stress the infrastructure sustaining the water supply. To properly tackle the issue, we need to focus on all-encompassing solutions that address both climate-related issues and degradation caused by humans.
To tackle the issue, we need to focus on all-encompassing solutions that address both climate-related issues and degradation caused by humans. A pivotal solution lies in reforestation initiatives across water catchment areas.
Trees regulate water flow, prevent erosion, and enhance groundwater recharge. Collaborative efforts between the government, non-governmental organizations, and local communities can facilitate large-scale reforestation projects, revitalizing these critical ecosystems. Adherence to responsible land use methods is equally essential.
Enforcing laws that protect water catchment areas from damaging activities will contribute to preserving these areas’ natural integrity. Encouraging sustainable farming and logging practices will be essential to maintaining the fragile equilibrium of these ecosystems.
Freetown must also invest in climate-resilient water infrastructure to adapt to changing climate patterns. Upgrading and expanding water storage facilities, improving water distribution systems, and incorporating innovative technologies will enhance the city’s ability to manage water resources effectively, even in the face of climate uncertainties.
Therefore, educating people about sustainable practices and water conservation is crucial to the answer. Public awareness campaigns encourage people to use less water, switch to water-saving devices, and get involved in neighborhood-based water conservation projects. A knowledgeable public encourages a shared commitment to resolving the water situation and catalysis change.
In navigating towards a water-secure future, Freetown requires a collaborative effort. Government agencies, environmental organizations, local communities, and international partners must join forces to implement lasting solutions. Immediate action is imperative, and by addressing the root causes of the water crisis through reforestation, sustainable land use, climate-resilient infrastructure, and public education, Freetown can chart a course towards a more water-secure and resilient future.
The author is a Water and Transportation Engineer
Phone Number: +23299344002
Email: fornahmohamed94@gmail.com
