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Field staff of Transform Sierra Leone have held an inception meeting with stakeholders and community members in Madina, Makpele Chiefdom, Pujehun District, as part of efforts to strengthen community engagement on water, sanitation, hygiene and environmental conservation.
The meeting brought together community members and key stakeholders to discuss planned interventions and the role of residents in supporting activities aimed at improving sanitation, hygiene and environmental protection.
During the meeting, Alie Bundor of Transform Sierra Leone outlined the organization’s key thematic areas and planned interventions, emphasising the importance of community participation and ownership in ensuring the success and sustainability of the project.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Town Chief Unisa Massaquoi expressed appreciation to Transform Sierra Leone for extending its intervention to Madina. He noted that the community has often been overlooked by non-governmental organisations due to its challenging road network.
Chief Massaquoi welcomed the initiative and thanked the organisation for making the effort to reach the community and engage residents in activities that will contribute to improved sanitation, hygiene and environmental conservation.
Community members also expressed their willingness to actively support the planned WASH activities. They committed to participating in the construction of compost fences, plate racks, clotheslines and handwashing stations.
The residents further disclosed that the community already has a reserved bush that could support environmental conservation activities.
However, community members also used the meeting as an opportunity to highlight some of their pressing development needs. Among the major challenges identified were the need for a barrier, bridge, toilet facilities and a water pump.
They appealed to Transform Sierra Leone and other development partners to support the community in addressing these challenges, which they said continue to affect the wellbeing and daily lives of residents.
The inception meeting marked an important step towards strengthening collaboration between Transform Sierra Leone, community stakeholders and residents of Madina in promoting improved water, sanitation and hygiene practices, while also encouraging environmental conservation.
