Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh issued a stern warning against unauthorized tree felling and construction within the catchment area of the Guma Valley Dam at Mile 13 in the Western Area Rural District.

Speaking at the launch of the Western Area Peninsula Water Fund, VP Jalloh emphasized the impact of deforestation on water distribution, citing a 27% loss of ecosystem reported by the World Food Programme.

Expressing concern over challenges like deforestation and unauthorized constructions affecting the catchment area, VP Jalloh highlighted the importance of the Water Fund project. He explained that the collaboration between the government and development partners aims to raise funds to protect the ecosystem, ensuring sustainable water supply and access to clean drinking water.

Revealing the financial aspect, VP Jalloh disclosed that, according to previous studies, Sierra Leone needs approximately US$1.2 billion to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of universal access to clean drinking water by 2030.

Acknowledging past budget limitations, the Vice President emphasized the creation of a special fund to attract development partners and address the pressing water sector challenges.