The Guma Valley Water Company has successfully completed a virtual inspection of the main Guma Dam at Mile 13, Sussex. Using advanced remote sensing and satellite technology, the assessment took place on Friday, May 2, 2025.

The inspection focused on evaluating the dam’s structural integrity, water performance, and the surrounding environment. According to the company's Managing Director, the process allowed the team to collect important data without needing a full physical inspection, reflecting the company’s push for innovative water management solutions.

The results confirmed that the dam is structurally sound. However, concerns were raised about increasing encroachment and environmental degradation around the catchment area—issues that could threaten water quality and future supply.

In response, the company has called for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations, greater involvement from communities, and closer collaboration with local authorities to stop illegal deforestation and unplanned development.

"Protecting our water sources is a shared responsibility," said the Managing Director. "Without proper management of the catchment, infrastructure investments may be compromised."

Guma plans to integrate the inspection findings into its broader water management and climate adaptation plans. With Freetown’s population growing rapidly and weather patterns becoming more unpredictable, the company emphasizes the importance of data-driven strategies to ensure long-term water security.

Constructed in the 1960s, the Guma Dam remains the primary water supply for Freetown. It, along with several smaller dams, provides piped water to more than a million people across the Freetown peninsula.

This latest inspection builds on a 2020 assessment, which also found the dam structurally stable but stressed the need for ongoing maintenance and upgrades—commitments Guma says it continues to uphold.