By Nasratu Kargbo
More than half of Freetown residents say water is a priority for them in the municipality, according to a Citizens’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Survey published by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR).
Executive Director Andrew Lavali in his presentation of the survey report said the exercise was done in February this year and was of the view that if conducted now, the number would have risen, since water availability decreases in the heat of the dry season.
He explained that 52% of the people in Freetown would want to hear from politicians how they intend to solve the water crisis, noting that despite the country had gained independence over sixty years ago, people still struggle to access water.
Lavali explained that it is important that those responsible for civic education and debates to create a platform that will discuss water and other priority areas highlighted by the citizens.
Speaking on the objectives of the citizen’s manifesto, Lavali said they want to ensure that the needs of the citizens are factored into the manifestos of political parties, for the election to be policy- driven and not personality- based.
Research and Policy Director at IGR Fredline M’Comack-Hale in her PowerPoint presentation of the citizen’s top two policy priorities of voters per district, highlighted districts that prioritized water.
Citizens in six districts including Freetown named water as key need. In the Northern part of the country, locals in Kambia and Falaba mentioned water amongst their utmost needs. People in the Southern and Eastern regions of the country, specifically those in Bo and Kono expressed the same.
Nationwide, citizens ranked water second, out of the ten priorities that were highlighted. Need for good roads topped the list. The KAP survey was funded by Irish Aid.
Copyright (c) 2023 (31/03/23)
