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A new public opinion poll conducted by the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has revealed that most Sierra Leoneans are grappling with immediate survival challenges, with the rising cost of basic goods and unreliable access to essential utilities emerging as the country’s most pressing daily concerns.
The findings, based on CHRDI’s nationwide online survey, highlight a population under significant economic and infrastructural strain, where food, water, and electricity remain central to everyday hardship.
Cost of Living Tops National Concerns
According to the poll, 43% of respondents identified the rising cost of living as their biggest daily struggle. Many participants pointed to the increasing price of staple commodities as a major burden on household income, making it difficult for families to consistently afford basic necessities such as food and transport.
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Utilities Deepen Daily Hardship
Closely following economic pressures, 23% of respondents cited unreliable access to electricity and water as their primary challenge. The findings underscore ongoing concerns about the consistency and quality of basic service delivery, particularly in urban and peri-urban communities where demand often exceeds supply.
Majority Facing Survival-Level Pressures
When combined, the data shows that 66% of respondents are primarily affected by either the cost of essential goods or the lack of reliable utilities. The results suggest that for a significant majority of citizens, day-to-day survival pressures outweigh broader social or developmental concerns.
Other Structural Challenges Persist
Beyond immediate survival issues, the poll also identifies other important concerns shaping daily life. Youth unemployment was cited by 12% of respondents, while 11% pointed to difficulties in accessing healthcare services.
Meanwhile, education quality (7%) and gender-based violence (5%) were also reported as ongoing social challenges that continue to affect communities across the country.
Policy Implications
The overall findings present a clear message: for many citizens, basic needs remain unmet. The CHRDI poll indicates that policy attention may need to shift more decisively toward addressing affordability and strengthening the delivery of essential public services.
With two-thirds of respondents prioritizing food security, water access, and electricity, the data underscores growing public demand for practical interventions rather than long-term commitments alone.
The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) notes that the results reflect lived realities that require urgent and sustained policy responses aimed at improving the daily welfare of citizens across Sierra Leone.
