This area has experienced low or no water supply along its entire stretch for over three (3) years; this has led to the construction of boreholes in some of these properties.
However, due to the large scale extraction of water, saline intrusion is becoming evident in some of these boreholes.
In a project initiated by Guma Valley in 2016, from the Atlantic end of the beach, service connections of some properties were made to a distance of about of 2 kilometres from to the distribution mains. Ductile Iron pipes were used and due to corrosion, leakages and pipe burst is a major concern today along the line for Guma.
Additionally, the factors above when combined pose a risk to people’s health and well-being and reputational risk for Freetown and Sierra Leone at large.
In a bid to address this appalling situation in one of Freetown’s most tourist attracted places, the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Tourism together with Guma Valley Water Company held series of discussions to improve water situation along the Beach road.
As a result of the engagements, a 4.4 kilometres of excavation and pipe laying works has commenced to install a working water supply system, and it is expected that the project will lead to job creation for youths and women within the area and beyond; improve on the national image through the encouragement of the development of green spaces and protection of the environment and make Sierra Leone a tourist destination through improved customer services.
The project which cost Le2.9 billion is 85% funded by the Government of Sierra Leone and 15% by Guma Valley Water Company and is expected to be completed by end of January 2020.
