In a major step toward protecting Freetown’s most vital water source, about 200 stakeholders, members of the Liberals Brotherhood and volunteers on Saturday 7th June 2025 gathered at the Guma Dam catchment for a large-scale tree-planting and conservation event.
The initiative, led by the Liberals Foundation as part of its 27th year celebrations, was done in collaboration with the Guma Valley Water Company and other stakeholders, including the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the Ministry of Tourism, the Freetown City Council, and World Vision (SL).
Held under the theme “Together We Grow: Strengthening Nature’s Fabric, One Tree at a Time,” the campaign aimed to restore forest cover lost over the past two decades and raise awareness about the critical role forests play in securing water resources. Since 2000, the Guma catchment has experienced a 40% decline in forest cover, leading to increased siltation, reduced reservoir capacity, and worsening water shortages in Greater Freetown.
Welcoming dignitaries, members of the Liberals Brotherhood, and volunteers to the tree planting exercise, the Head of the organization, Ing. Ishmail Bundu said they are committed to contributing to the national development of the country. “We have engaged the Guma Valley Water Company and other stakeholders to send a strong message that we have to protect our water catchment areas, particularly the Guma Dam, which is 64 years old. Today is more than just planting trees; it’s about planting hope, the Guma catchment is the heart of our city’s water system, and restoring it is an investment in Freetown’s future”.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Sao-Kpato Hannah Isatta Macarthy, said that President Bio is very passionate about access to water supply, and that is why he has strengthened the mandate of the ministry to include sanitation services.
The Minister furthered that her ministry is working closely with the Guma Valley Water Company to implement government policies to improve water supply access, fight against deforestation, and protect the water catchment areas. “The Government is very serious about catchment protection and takes the fight against deforestation seriously, that is why every project that we are developing has a component for catchment protection, and citizens need to stop the deforestation”.
Making a statement, the Managing Director of Guma Valley Water Company, Ing. Maada S. Kpenge, said the company’s main interest in catchment protection stemmed from the fact that the forest is providing very good quantity and good quality water, which requires minimal treatment for the residents of the Western Area.
He informed the gathering that the company has lined up several projects to improve access to water supply, but that without the forests, there will be no Guma Dam, and there will be no water for Freetown. “We are committed to the fight against deforestation, and we want to say all those areas that have been illegally deforested will be reclaimed so that we can continue to maintain the Western Area Peninsula National Park”.
Contributing to the statements, the Mayor of Freetown, Her Worship Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, said the tree planting exercise is a symbolic gesture that is very important because without trees there is no water and without water there is no life. “It is important to note that according to the WFP Asset Impact Monitoring from Space (AIMS) report, in 2023, we lost 525 hectares of forest cover, in 2024, we lost 715 hectares, and in the first three months of 2025, we have already lost 400 hectares. We are here planting trees, but we also need to raise our voices about the rampant deforestation that is going on”, she added.
In his statement, the Country Director of World Vision (SL), Sagane Thiaw, said his organization is a child-focused entity that is working for the well-being of children and one that is providing clean water services to children around the world. “Water is key, but you cannot provide or contribute to sustainable drinking water if the source is not preserved. That is why World Vision is investing intentionally in environmental sustainability, and we are very happy to associate ourselves with this initiative”.
By the end of the event, organizers reported the successful commencement of the planting of 5,000 trees by the participants, and increased public awareness through widespread media coverage.
Tree planting around dams like Guma is a proven, cost-effective strategy that stabilizes soil, improves water quality, reduces evaporation, and supports biodiversity. It also builds climate resilience and enhances recreational and aesthetic value.
The Liberal Foundation hopes the Guma reforestation drive will serve as a model for similar initiatives across Sierra Leone. As environmental degradation and climate change continue to threaten water access, efforts like this underscore the power of community-led conservation to protect vital natural resources.
*Guma Communication Unit*
*8th June 2025*
