By Sorie Rahman Sesay

Water is one of the most essential commodities for human survival, as the famous saying goes, “Water is life.” This highlights the crucial role it plays in sustaining all forms of life. Despite Sierra Leone’s tropical location, which enjoys a generous supply of water, many people still lack access to clean, pure water. Ironically, in some areas like Aberdeen, where water is accessible, significant amounts are wasted daily.

While other areas may face similar issues, it is important for each community to address the problems affecting their locality. In Aberdeen, water is supplied on a rotating schedule — Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays — through old airborne pipes that have been in use for decades. Unfortunately, every resupply transforms streets into rivers and gutters into makeshift swimming pools due to excessive wastage.

The reasons for this wastage are varied, involving all sections of society: the wealthy, the poor, the average citizens, local authorities, and the Guma Valley Water Supply Company.

Ironically, those who cannot afford water are often the biggest contributors to the wastage. Under the cover of night, they sneak out to unfix pipes, filling their containers without permission. Sadly, after they’re done, they leave the pipes gushing water. Others, upon discovering these unattended pipes, shamelessly follow suit without knowing or caring who owns the pipe. When I spoke to Mamusu, a local resident fetching water from someone else’s pipe, she said, “I don’t know the owner of this pipe. Since this morning, water has been wasting from it.”

The wealthy, on the other hand, are direct victims of this wastage. Imagine a rich man waking up in the middle of the night to find no water from his tap, despite paying for the service. However, they too share the blame. Many shallow pipes run through the streets of Aberdeen, making them easy targets for those looking to steal water. If these pipes were buried properly, much of the problem could be avoided. Unfortunately, when GUMA comes to address water issues, it is the property owners who are held accountable for any water consumption, even if they weren’t the ones using it.

Local authorities have largely ignored this ongoing issue. Whether they lack the will or the strategy to address the problem remains unclear. However, what is needed are stringent laws that discourage water theft and wastage. Aberdeen’s local councilor, commonly known as Bouncing, stated, “Water wastage is an issue of concern that is on the agenda to be addressed.”

The Guma Valley Water Company must also step up its efforts to monitor areas prone to wastage. They should ensure that pipes are properly fixed and maintained. While Sierra Leone has enough water, the country struggles with effective water management, leading to shortages, especially during the dry season. Thousands of liters are wasted with each resupply. In light of climate change and the potential for reduced rainfall, proactive measures need to be taken to conserve and manage our water resources more effectively.