Guma Valley Water Company Seeks $3.6 Billion to Ensure Sustainable Water Supply for Freetown

September 8, 2024

The Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC) has announced that it requires $3.6 billion to secure a sustainable water supply for Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. Mohamed I. Koroma, the company's Production Manager, revealed this need during a conference in Waterloo.

Koroma emphasized the urgency of the situation, referencing a six-year master plan that highlights the critical need for this investment. Despite recent aid from China, including the construction of a new hydro dam, the company faces significant challenges in meeting the city's increasing water demands.

A major concern is the contamination of water sources, such as Charlotte’s Waterfall, from human waste and pollutants. This contamination has forced GVWC to stop using the waterfall for public supply, affecting communities like Allen Town.

Although the government has allocated $6 million to enhance the water system in Allen Town, many residents still experience water shortages. Koroma warned that these issues will persist until 2026 unless urgent measures are taken to address environmental concerns and invest in new infrastructure.

GVWC plans to build ten new dams within Freetown to improve water supply, but these projects will require significant funding and reliable electricity. The company has also identified several high-risk areas that could disrupt water operations.

Councillor Salamatu Koroma, Chairperson of the Environment Committee for the Waterloo Western Rural District, echoed GVWC’s concerns and called on local stakeholders to enforce environmental regulations more strictly to protect water sources.