By: Sulaiman Aruna Sesay
Thunder Hill Community is located at the Eastern part of Freetown, is a big community that is facing a water crisis. In this modern age, having access to clean pipe borne water facility is a basic human right, but unfortunately, this is not the case for Thunder Hill Community. The community has been suffering from a shortage of pipe borne water facility for years now, leading to poor hygienic conditions for the residents. According to multiple sources, Thunder Hill Community is denied access to pipe borne water facility.
The poor access to pipe borne water facility has led to poor sanitation and hygiene. This can lead to the outbreak of waterborne diseases, which can be fatal. The residents of Thunder Hill Community have to resort to getting water from natural sources like streams, rivers, and even dams. These sources of water are not clean and can lead to diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
The lack of access to pipe borne water facility has had an adverse effect on the economic activities of the community. Many small businesses in Thunder Hill Community, especially those that require water, have been affected. The cost of buying water has skyrocketed, and this has led to reduced profits for business owners. This, in turn, has led to high levels of unemployment and poverty in the community.
The poor access to pipe borne water facility has had a negative impact on the education system. Children in Thunder Hill Community are forced to walk long distances to fetch water before going to school. This has led to a high absenteeism rate and low academic performance. Education is a fundamental right, and it is crucial for the upbringing of any community. The lack of pipe borne water facility is, therefore, depriving the children of Thunder Hill Community of their right to education.
The lack of access to pipe borne water facility in Thunder Hill Community is a clear example of environmental injustice. The people of Thunder Hill Community are mostly low-income earners, and as is the case globally, it is the vulnerable and marginalized communities that suffer the most from environmental injustice. The lack of access to pipe borne water facility in this community is a clear indication that the voices of the marginalized are not being heard.
The poor access to pipe borne water facility in Thunder Hill Community is an issue that needs urgent attention. The government, together with the private sector, and the honourable assigned in this constituent, needs to step in and come up with solutions to this crisis. The government should ensure that basic human rights like access to pipe borne water facilities are upheld. The private sector should also do its part by investing in water infrastructure in small communities like Thunder Hill Community. Together, we can ensure that access to clean pipe borne water facility is a reality for everyone.