Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) Transforms the Lives of a Community in Sierra Leone by Installing a Water Well

In this fast-paced world, we live in, where comfort and accessibility mean we take for granted the necessities of life, it’s easy to forget that a large portion of the globe does not have access to the source of our very survival: clean water.

In this modern day, where clean water flows from faucets in every corner of our homes, it is jarring to realize that globally, more than 884 million people are estimated to lack access to safe water to drink, while over 785 million people do not have access to at least basic water services.

Unfortunately, Sierra Leone is one of the countries that suffers from this lack of clean water access. As evidenced in the most recent data, as of 2022, a mere 10.26% of the population has access to clean water, leaving almost 90% of the population to suffer with limited or no access to clean water, forcing them to drink contaminated water.

This lack of access to clean water is debilitating in so many ways. Not only does it impact the daily lives of people, their health and well-being, but it also has a profound effect on their children’s futures. To survive daily, families send their children far distances to find and retrieve clean water. To ensure their family’s survival, vulnerable children expend valuable effort and time collecting water, which results in their inability to attend school, be on time for lessons, and receive an education that could potentially lead to an improvement in their lives and the lives of their families.

Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) recognized the compounding impact that lack of access to water has on Sierra Leone and, in the spirit of Humanitarianism, installed a much-needed water well with a hand pump in the Maloko community, transforming the lives of over 900 residents.

A community member, Mr. Muctarr Kamara, praised LIFE for their timely support, taking only 11 days to complete the installation of the water well. The water well was completed and opened to the public on 20th December 2024. He shares the lasting impact it will have on their community, stating that: “The most vital point here is, the project has allowed our children to stop going late to their various schools.” He thanked the donors for the benefits that have come from this project, especially its role in securing children’s education.

Another resident shared that this water well not only improved the health and well-being of the people, but it has also enhanced their quality of life. It has stopped them from being forced into drinking contaminated water and even saves them time, resources, and effort spent on collecting water from distant sources.

“Water is life.” A simple but powerful reminder from a delighted community member, Madam Isatu Sesay. She echoes the gratitude of all her fellow residents as they recognize the life-changing impact that this water well has had on their residents.

With millions struggling globally due to inaccessibility to clean water, LIFE attempts to combat this by installing water wells. This project has secured access to clean water, ensured a potential future for their young children, and has added value and quality to the lives of those in the Maloko community of Sierra Leone. Through one water well at a time, we can make a difference and ensure millions do not need to struggle for their basic survival.