Stories
October 30, 2025 • 3 min read
For generations, the people of Sendumie in Kenema District relied on an unsafe stream for water, leading to frequent outbreaks of diarrheal disease. In 2025, GOAL Sierra Leone, with funding from charity: water, constructed a borehole and later upgraded it into a solar-powered water system with ten tap stands across the community. The new system now serves homes, schools, and the local health center, bringing safe water within reach for all 2,376 residents. This transformation has reduced waterborne illnesses and improved daily life especially for women, children, and healthcare workers.
GOAL Sierra Leone’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programme aims to improve access to safe, sustainable water sources in rural communities across the country. Through a partnership with charity: water, GOAL has introduced solar-powered water systems that ensure reliable, clean water while promoting community participation and ownership. The initiative contributes to better health outcomes and supports education and livelihoods, especially in underserved areas like Kenema District.
Unsafe Water and Health Risks
In Niawa Chiefdom, Kenema District, the 2,376 residents of Sendumie long depended on a stream known as Koo Yeee for their daily water needs. The stream, once a traditional water source, had become contaminated as wastewater from the town drained directly into it. During the rainy season, cases of diarrhoea spiked, particularly among children.
Between January and June 2025 alone, the local health centre recorded 154 cases of diarrhoea, including 87 among children under five. The overstretched health staff struggled to respond, especially during emergencies.
Safe Water at Every Doorstep
To address these challenges, GOAL Sierra Leone, with support from charity: water, constructed a borehole and rehabilitated an existing hand-dug well in Sendumie. The results were immediate a noticeable drop in waterborne illnesses and renewed optimism in the community.
Building on this progress, the team later upgraded the borehole into a Solar-Powered Water Reticulation System, featuring ten tap stands strategically placed throughout the village. The system now provides clean water to households, a health facility, and a school, ensuring reliable access for all.
Residents quickly noticed the difference.
“I no longer have to leave my three-month-old baby alone to fetch water,” said Kadie Momoh, a lactating mother. “The tap is right in front of my house. I don’t even boil water anymore, it’s safe.”
For students, the change has brought relief and opportunity. “I used to be late for school because I had to fetch water from the stream,” shared Mattu Konneh, a schoolgirl. “Now I can do my chores and get ready without stress.”
Health, Dignity, and Community Ownership
At the Sendumie Health Centre, staff have also felt the impact. “Now, we have water on-site. It’s a relief,” said Nurse Janet, recalling how difficult it once was to manage emergencies without water.
Maseary Dakowa, a resident, highlighted how the new system has improved maternal health care:
“We used to beg men to accompany us to the stream at night after someone gave birth. Now that midwifery services are smooth, we can clean the delivery space easily.
The project was officially handed over to the community on October 3–4, 2025, with representatives from the Ministries of Water Resources, Health, and Education, as well as district authorities, in attendance. Since August 20, 2025, the system has been fully operational, with the community taking full ownership.
Chief Gbessay B. Massaquoi expressed his gratitude: “GOAL is always there when we really need help. It gave us water, involved us in the process, and kept its promise. We even have our own inspection officer. We are grateful.”
Sendumie is one of five communities in Kenema District alongside Konjo, Gbeworbu, Sembehun, and Kpetema where GOAL Sierra Leone completed similar solar-powered water systems in 2025. Together, these initiatives are transforming lives and strengthening resilience through safe, sustainable water access.
