Freetown, Sierra Leone – The burial site in Cole Town, Waterloo, designated for victims of major disasters such as the Ebola outbreak, the 2017 mudslide, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Wellington fire disaster, is reportedly being desecrated by land encroachers.
A widely circulated video on social media shows a witness alleging that the encroachment is being carried out under “orders from above.”
The individual who recorded the video expressed profound dismay over the desecration of this sacred site, highlighting that the construction of residential structures, purportedly schools, is underway on the cemetery grounds.
He urgently called upon the Government of Sierra Leone and international partners, who played pivotal roles in establishing the cemetery, to take swift action to halt these encroachments and preserve the sanctity of the site.
The Waterloo cemetery, located approximately 30 kilometers east of Freetown, gained prominence during the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak. As traditional burial grounds in Freetown, such as Kingtom Cemetery, became overwhelmed, Waterloo was designated for safe and dignified burials of Ebola victims. Reports indicate that over 70% of the approximately 9,000 graves at Waterloo are those of Ebola victims.
This cemetery has also served as the final resting place for victims of subsequent disasters, including the devastating 2017 mudslide and the Wellington fire incident.
The encroachment upon this hallowed ground not only disrespects the memory of those who perished but also undermines the collective efforts to provide dignified burials during some of the nation’s most challenging times.
Local residents and concerned citizens are urging the authorities to intervene promptly to prevent further desecration and to ensure that the burial site remains a place of respect and remembrance for all those interred there.
