Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) Constructs Two Wells in SierraLeone, Providing Clean and Safe Drinking Water to Over 1,600 Residents
- zsayed3
- Nov 5
- 3 min read
Access to clean, safe drinking water in Sierra Leone has been scarce, specifically in underserved communities. For a long time, many families faced daily challenges in securing clean water for drinking, cooking and sanitation. This ongoing scarcity has impacted public health, limited educational opportunities for children, and placed significant hardship on community members.
Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) implemented two Clean Water Projects in Kissy Town (Waterloo) and Suctar Community (Lungi) bringing sustainable water access to more than 1,600 individuals. Each site was equipped with a durable hand pump designed for long-term use. The completion of these wells marks a major milestone in LIFE’s continued mission to provide hope, dignity, and improved living conditions for communities in need.
Water insecurity continues to be one of the leading challenges in Sierra Leone. For many years, residents have struggled to access clean, safe, potable water, often relying on limited or unreliable sources. The absence of clean water contributes directly to widespread health problems such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid, which disproportionately affect children and the elderly.
This lack of access extends beyond health; it influences every aspect of community life. Women spend hours each day searching for water, while young girls often miss school to assist their families. These challenges not only reduce productivity but also maintain cycles of poverty and inequality. LIFE prioritized the installation of wells in areas where the impact would be immediate and far-reaching, ensuring that communities could reclaim their time, improve health outcomes, and build more sustainable livelihoods.
Kissy Town was identified due to its ongoing struggle with water scarcity and growing population. Before the project, families faced daily hardship over where to find safe water, where often times they were forced to pay high prices for such small quantities. The newly constructed wells now ensure that every household has easy access to clean water. This development has significantly improved sanitation and reduced waterborne diseases, especially among children.
The Suctar well was strategically installed near the community’s central hub where residents come together for social and communal activities. Today, the well provides a reliable source of clean water for household needs, which benefits many families and improves hygiene and overall quality of life across the community.
The construction of the two wells has reshaped daily routines across both communities. What was once a tiring and time-consuming task, walking long distances to fetch water, has now been replaced with convenience and safety. With clean water readily available, residents report better hygiene, improved health, and more time to focus on education, work, and family.
The wells have also become centers of community life, places where people meet, share news, and strengthen social bonds. Beyond their immediate purpose, these wells symbolize growth, unity, and hope.
Community member, Balu Sesay stated “We have suffered greatly in fetching water for daily use. Our girls were often late for school due to the long distances they had to walk just to get water. The use of contaminated water causes illnesses like typhoid and diarrhea in our children. But LIFE’s provision of this well has significantly eased our burden. Now, our girls can attend school regularly and on time. I sincerely thank and appreciate LIFE for this tremendous help. May Allah bless them all.”
Her statement underscores the project’s impact on health, education, and community well-being. The new well has eliminated the daily struggle for water, reduced illness, and given children the time and opportunity to pursue education without interruption. Together, these projects have restored dignity and improved daily life for residents who have long endured the struggles of water scarcity.
