By Alhaji Haruna Sani
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has announced its collaboration with the Guma Valley Water Company, with funding from the Government of Japan, to implement a project titled “Urgency Support for Reducing Waterborne Diseases in Freetown.”
The one-year project, effective from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, aims to enhance access to safe water and mitigate waterborne diseases in Freetown.
Freetown’s water supply system has faced challenges due to a declining water supply against increasing demand, leading to an intermittent water supply system and water losses from leakages and theft.
The initiative will specifically address issues such as aged pipes, inadequate mains network, and undocumented water consumers contributing to water loss.
Additionally, it will target the prevalent waterborne diseases in the region, including typhoid and diarrhea, caused by poor access to water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
The project focuses on optimizing system operations, reducing water losses in identified areas, improving water quality, and ultimately lowering the incidence of waterborne diseases. The end goal is to significantly enhance and expand access to safe water for the residents of Freetown.
The partnership, facilitated through the Japan Supplementary Fund, underscores the commitment of the Government of Japan to support initiatives that address critical water challenges in Sierra Leone.
UNOPS expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on the resilience of water network systems and the overall well-being of the Freetown community.
