Coastal Community in Sorogbema Chiefdom Appeals for Urgent Government Support

Residents of Mende Camp-Kru Town, a small coastal fishing community situated along the Mano River and the Atlantic Ocean in the Mano River section of Sorogbema Chiefdom, are urgently appealing to the Government of Sierra Leone and humanitarian partners for intervention over the lack of basic social services.

With an estimated population of about 500 people, the community depends largely on fishing for survival. However, residents say their livelihoods and well-being are under increasing strain due to the absence of essential facilities, including safe drinking water, healthcare, and education.

Speaking to reporters, Town Chief Messie Pabai described the situation as “critical,” highlighting the severe lack of infrastructure. According to him, residents must travel approximately eight miles to reach the nearest health facility, a journey that poses serious risks, especially in emergencies.

Access to clean water remains a major challenge. Chief Pabai explained that residents are forced to cross the Mano River to York Island in neighboring Liberia to fetch safe drinking water. Within the community, the only available sources are locally dug pits, which he warned are unsafe for human consumption.

The Chief also raised concerns over tensions affecting local fishermen. He alleged that some Ghanaian fishermen operating from Sulima have been destroying fishing nets belonging to residents, undermining their primary source of income. He noted that the issue had been reported to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources office in Sulima, but no decisive action has yet been taken.

Responding to the allegations, Senior Fisheries Officer Elkeline Tiwoma Kposawa confirmed that his office has received complaints from both local and Ghanaian fishermen accusing each other of similar actions. He assured that efforts are ongoing to facilitate dialogue between the parties in a bid to resolve the conflict peacefully.

Chief Pabai further expressed frustration that despite the community’s compliance with local tax payments and fishing license fees, there has been little to no improvement in infrastructure or public services.

Residents warn that without urgent intervention, living conditions in Mende Camp-Kru Town will continue to deteriorate. They are calling on the government and development partners to act swiftly to provide essential services and support sustainable livelihoods in the community.