New england ville: Residents in the New England Ville community expressed deep concern regarding the prolonged disruption in water supply affecting surrounding areas, including institutions under government administration. The situation has impacted households as well as key public institutions, including the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education.

According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the disruption was caused by electrical faults that damaged equipment at the New England pumping station. The Public Relations Officer of the Guma Valley Water Company, Dr. Peter Edward Lamin, confirmed that the damaged equipment has since been replaced. However, the full restoration of water supply remains dependent on the availability of stable voltage from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA).

Dr. Lamin further explained that communities located in the hills of New England depend entirely on pumped water supply, as the area cannot be served through gravity-fed systems. He expressed confidence that the matter could be resolved within the week, noting that water is available for distribution but electricity constraints continue to hinder regular service delivery.

The Guma Valley Water Company has assured that efforts are ongoing to improve water access across the Western Area through water-rationing schedules and the deployment of water bowsers to underserved communities. In addition, the Company is implementing long-term interventions aimed at strengthening water infrastructure. These include the extension of water services to Hill Station, Mambo, and Hook Street in Kissy, as well as the rehabilitation of the Allentown Water Facility, which is expected to enhance supply to several communities in the coming year.

Despite financial and infrastructural challenges, the Company has indicated that it is pursuing public-private partnerships and other financing opportunities to support the construction of new dams and improve water storage capacity throughout the Western Area.

Commenting on the situation, Acting Estate Officer at the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Yusuf Sillah, described the shortage as a serious concern. He stated that both residents and institutions have experienced nearly one month of irregular water supply, thereby creating difficulties for sanitation, service delivery, and daily operations.

He noted also noted that the absence of water flow in the pipelines has made it difficult to determine whether leakages or damaged pipes may be contributing to the problem. He disclosed that institutions are exploring alternative measures, including the engagement of private water suppliers and the construction of boreholes, in order to reduce dependence on the public water system.

Residents of the affected community have likewise expressed concern over the prolonged disruption. Mohamed Alpha Sannoh attributed the crisis to challenges at the dam and failures within the pumping system, including the breakdown of one of the machines used for water distribution. He also identified electricity supply issues as a major factor affecting the restoration process.

Sannoh observed that the situation often worsens during the dry season and described it as a recurring challenge affecting several communities in Freetown. He called for improved maintenance of existing dams and increased investment in additional water storage facilities to ensure availability during periods of reduced rainfall.

Another resident, Amara Kallay, said the prolonged shortage has placed significant pressure on families, particularly those living in hillside communities. He noted that schoolchildren are spending considerable time searching for water instead of preparing for school and expressed concern over the suspension of tanker services that previously assisted the area.

The Government acknowledges the hardship this situation has caused and assures the public that the relevant institutions and service providers are actively working toward restoring normal water supply and advancing sustainable solutions. The present challenge underscores the importance of continued investment in water infrastructure and stronger collaboration among utility providers, public institutions, and development partners to prevent future occurrences.