Africa, Sierra Leone

Peace Winds Concludes Water and Waste Management Recovery Program in Sierra Leone

April 27, 2018

Thanks to funding from Japan Platform and the generous support of individual donors, Peace Winds and its local partner Community Empowerment and Development Agency (CEDA) concluded the flood and mudslide recovery program in the Kaningo area of Sierra Leone.

After the sudden, deadly flood and landslide occurred in August 2017, Peace Winds responded immediately. The flood came so quickly families barely had time to escape.  The flood engulfed entire houses; many families lost everything.  Peace Winds and CEDA distributed household goods to families and reconstructed local facilities in the area.  Peace Winds provided pots, water tanks, laundry washing buckets, and mattresses to 228 families.

After the flood destroyed their home, several family members had been sleeping on the floor of a house they rented. The family was grateful for mattresses provided by Peace Winds, saying, "Now we all will get a good night's sleep."

During recovery, Peace Winds and the CEDA team repaired local wells, installed hand pumps, and raised wells to prevent contamination during the rainy season. The teams repaired and enhanced the local health facility. This facility now boasts a shower and laundry area, improved maternity wards, new toilets, and a complete waste management system.

An elementary school student uses the new well

After the flood, many families took refuge at the nearby elementary school.  The school latrines became a major health and sanitation concern.  Peace Winds worked quickly to repair and update the school toilets.  The newly rehabilitated school latrines directly connect to the water system, helping improve hygiene for the students.  The school has reopened and students have access to new functioning toilets.

The new school toilets after repairs.

With improved access to safe water, proper waste disposal, and an upgraded health facility, Kaningo residents can build a strong community once again.

READ MORE about Peace Winds’ responses around the world.

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