IDRISSA KELFALA KAMARA

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

TOPIC: RURAL WATER SUPPLY SANITATION

 BACKGROUND
The proposed rural water supply and sanitation project will cover at most four (4) districts in Sierra
Leone. The overall goal of the project is to contribute to Sierra Leone Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS)
agenda for change and achievement of the water supply, sanitation and hygiene targets set out in the
Millennium development goals (MDGs).

OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

I. Increase sustainable access to safe water and basic sanitation in rural areas.
II. Develop comprehensive natural framework for rural water supply and sanitation investment.
The project.

The project will increase access to safe water supply and access to improved sanitation in rural areas.
The project will build on the achievements of hygiene, sanitation and water supply in rural areas.
Although significant progress has been made in the past years, most of the population in rural areas of
sierra Leone is still without access to clean water and only few has access to improved sanitation.

Unsafe drinking water can be a significant carrier of diseases such as trachoma, cholera, typhoid
and other pathogens that cause diarrhea. Moreover, Access to safe drinking water is particularly
important for time use of women and children who bear the primary responsibility for obtaining and
carrying water, tasks that can take a great deal of time due to long distance and waiting time that are
often required.

Overall, the project will environmentally beneficial. The provision of safe drinking water and proper
sanitation facilities is expected to have significant input on the improvement of livelihood and the
environment, including reduction in groundwater pollution. Some minor and temporary negative
environmental impacts may occur, resulting mainly from the construction activities.

SIGNIFICANCE
I. Improved quantity and quality of safe drinking water
II. Reduction in water related diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, typhoid and thereby
minimizing the cost of healthcare in households
III. Reduction in infant, child and maternal maternity and mobility due to improved health and
sanitation services in the health unit.
IV. Proper and better sited sanitation facilities will reduce the risk of contamination of surface and
ground water resources.
V. Promote gender equality and empower women
 VI. Achieve universal primary education

V. Risk of industrial accidents during construction

VI. Management and disposal of waste generated from construction activities

VII. Increase risk of HIV/AIDS and STDS due to interactions

METHODOLOGY
The research methodology will involve the interrogation of public participation through an intensive
study. The information gathered from the literature study will help provide insight of what is taking
place in terms of public participation with emphasis to rural water supply and sanitation projects. The
study will address public involvement in general as well as how government, donor partners can
effectively involve in rural water supply and sanitation projects.

CHALLENGES
The process of involving the public in development projects is characterized by many problems and
challenges which might hinder effective participation of the public. The challenges of the project are as
follows:

I. In many instances where people have the opportunity, they do not actively participate
II. Not all those with interest can participate and as a result the issue of representation becomes a
major problem
III. Communication gap existing between planners, government, donors and public
IV. Public participation process is time consuming
 RECOMMENDATION
In view of the scale of investments and volume of work anticipated in implementing the
initiative, there is the need for strong commitment and will power to succeed. This will require
innovation, imagination and concerted action in administrative and financial procedures to
acquire and utilize the human, financial and material resources effectively and efficiently.

CONCLUSION
i. Rural water supply and local water supply sources represent an epidemiological risk
ii. It is necessary to continue and improve monitoring and activities in the field