Sierra Leone is a post-conflict country in West Africa. Since the end of the 11-year civil war in 2002, international partners have supported Sierra Leone in rebuilding and healing itself. Economic recovery is slow; Sierra Leone remains one of the poorest countries in the world. About 60% of the population is estimated to live under the poverty line, with a concentration in rural areas. According to the UN Millennium Development Goals, by 2015 the proportion of the world population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation should be halved. 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 worst in rural areas (52%).

This project introduces solar powered pump pipe born water supply in medium size communities in Kenema district, Sierra Leone. The project secures access to clean water of 1 poor rural community in the district. One system will cover the community and provide 5 taps stands to fetch water from.

The system is based on a bore well as the source of water, from where a solar powered pump will pump water to an elevated tank from where water is distributed to a number of stand posts (5). The beneficiaries will collect water from these stand posts. The system will provide a minimum of 20 liters per person per day and the maximum walking distance between household and the strategic collection points is 250 meters. The Grundfos pumps (SQFlex) will be installed as part of the system. In order to secure the sustainability, 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 the operation and maintenance.

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).