This project is a continuation of the efforts Engineers Without Borders – Denmark (EWB-DK) has carried out during several years in the Kenema District, Sierra Leone, to provide rural villages with safe and clean drinking water. EWB-DK is working together with Engineers Without Borders – Sierra Leone (EWB-SL) on these water projects.

Following the UN Sustainable Development Goals, access to clean water is a high priority in the world’s focus on a sustainable future and development for all. The latest figures available from WHO, indicate that more than 37% of the population in Sierra Leone do not have access to clean drinking water. The situation is worse in rural areas. The use of unsafe sources of water for consumption provides a serious health risk and puts high pressure on a very fragile and weak health care system.

In the period from November 2016 to August 2017, a pilot project was carried out in the village Gandorhun. This project was the first step towards introducing improved solar powered pipe born water supply in medium size communities in Kenema district, Sierra Leone. This project is a further development of the pilot project, and will establish a solar powered bore well water supply system with an elevated tank and strategic stand posts in the community of Nomo Faama. The system will provide a minimum of 20 liters per person per day. A Grundfos pumps (SQFlex) will be installed as part of the system. In order to secure sustainability and ownership, the community has invested a small sum in the system as well and a monthly fee is collected from the families in the community to cover operation and maintenance of the water supply system.

The project contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals regarding clean water and sanitation (#6), affordable and clean energy (#7) and partnerships for the goals (#17).