By Alfred Peter Conteh
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Water Resources and Chief Whip of the All People’s Congress (APC) in the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic, Honourable Abdul Karim Kamara (AKK), has issued a stern warning that Sierra Leone risks facing another national tragedy if urgent action is not taken to protect water catchment areas across the country.
Hon. AKK raised this concern during an oversight visit to several water catchment sites aimed at assessing the quality and sustainability of water supply to citizens. He lamented the growing level of encroachment around protected areas, stressing that such illegal activities have exposed the nation’s dams to severe risks.
“Over the years, massive encroachment has taken place within water catchment areas. People have moved far beyond the government’s designated green belt, cutting down trees that were meant to preserve and protect the dams. This reckless activity has left our water sources highly vulnerable,” Hon. AKK cautioned.
He further noted that the issue goes beyond the threat of water shortage.
“My fear is not just about scarcity of water, but the looming disaster that will occur if any of our dam’s collapse. Thousands will be left homeless and hundreds could lose their lives. We cannot afford such a catastrophe in our beloved country,” he warned.
Hon. AKK therefore urged the government to act decisively by enforcing land protection laws, removing all illegal structures beyond the green belt, and halting deforestation in catchment areas. He emphasized that only proactive measures can prevent an avoidable disaster.
