Sierra Leone Unapproved Construction: Juba in Peril

The illegal residents reportedly cut into the pipes for water access

We must act now before another preventable disaster strikes

The environmental impact of this uncontrolled growth is also evident. Plastic waste and blocked drainages paint a picture of growing neglect. Coupled with the chaotic atmosphere creates a chaotic and unsettling environment and erodes the quality of life for all residents

Juba, once a high-end neighborhood in Freetown, finds itself battling a complex and pressing issue: a dense network of unauthorized settlements encroaching directly onto critical infrastructure, including its vital water pipelines. These makeshift structures built on the city's main water pipe - the lifeline connecting the Guma reservoir to the wider community in Freetown - pose a significant risk to both the community and individuals, raising concerns about safety, sanitation, and environmental protection.

Unapproved construction can compromise the integrity of these vital pipes, leading to potential leaks, disruptions, and even contamination. Additionally, the settlements often lack proper sanitation facilities, raising the specter of hygiene concerns and disease outbreaks.

The environmental impact of this uncontrolled growth is also evident. Plastic waste and blocked drainages paint a picture of growing neglect. Coupled with the chaotic atmosphere, it creates an unsettling environment and erodes the quality of life for all residents.

The situation is further complicated by allegations of colluding between the residents, Freetown City Council (FCC) officials, and Members of Parliament. Bi-monthly payments to FCC officials from illegal settlers and claims of unauthorized electricity access through EDSA payments raise serious questions about the erosion of the rule of law, despite official regulations prohibiting such connections in unauthorized settlements.

Juba's predicament is not an isolated incident; it reflects a larger challenge faced by law-abiding residents in Freetown. This development is not simply about illegal settlements but the complex interplay between politics, governance, and the erosion of trust in certain institutions.

While the reasons for these irregular settlements might be multifaceted, their impact on the Guma pipeline and the wider Juba community is undeniable. The illegal residents reportedly cut into the pipes for water access, potentially compromising the entire system's integrity and jeopardizing the water supply. This raises questions about the long-term viability of such a development, for the community and the broader infrastructure network.

Finding solutions demands a comprehensive and unbiased assessment of the situation, a firm commitment to upholding regulations, and collaborative efforts from community members and relevant authorities like the National Disaster Management Agency, Guma Valley, ONS, FCC, EDSA, and Members of Parliament. Only through such collective action can Juba and other neighborhoods reclaim their communities, where safety, sanitation, and environmental well-being are not negotiable luxuries but fundamental rights for all law-abiding residents.

This is not a time for finger-pointing. We must act now before another preventable disaster strikes with potentially catastrophic consequences. Juba is a stark reminder of the human cost of inaction and the urgent need for responsible governance, community engagement, and a renewed commitment to the rule of law.

Bob Jusu reporting

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