By Fatima Kpaka
FREETOWN—The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation (MoWRS) and the Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC) have expressed strong opposition to the proposed re-demarcation of the Western Area Peninsula National Forest Park (WAPNP). The proposal, referenced in the Joint Rapid Assessment Report by the National Protected Area Authority and the Ministry of Lands, Country Planning, and Housing, seeks to reduce the protected area by 5,000 hectares, representing a 28.9% decrease from its current 17,185 hectares.
In a formal statement issued on June 16, 2025, MoWRS and GVWC warned that altering the Green Belt boundary would have severe consequences for Freetown and the Western Area, particularly regarding water security, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability.
Concerns Raised by MoWRS and GVWC
Officials have outlined multiple risks associated with the proposed re-demarcation:
- Threat to Freetown’s Water Supply: GVWC sources 100% of its raw water from the WAPNP, with critical infrastructure—including Guma Dam, Sugar Loaf Dam, Kongo Dam, and Mile 13 Treatment Plant—already facing encroachment threats from human settlements. Further boundary reductions would endanger water access for over one million residents.
- Future Water Security Projects in Jeopardy: GVWC has plans for 10 new dam projects across the peninsula, including in No.2 River, Kongo, Hastings, York, and Big Water. These initiatives, designed to enhance water storage and treatment, would be directly impacted by the Green Belt changes.
- Environmental and Biodiversity Risks: The WAPNP is home to rich biodiversity and holds eco-tourism potential. Deforestation could irreversibly damage wildlife habitats, threatening endemic species.
- Increased Flood and Landslide Vulnerabilities: Areas such as Allen Town and Waterloo have already experienced worsening flooding and landslides. Removing protected forest land would exacerbate these risks, endangering lives and property.
- Lessons from Past Boundary Reductions: Officials referenced a similar re-demarcation in 2012, which led to water catchment failures affecting over 500,000 residents, including Fourah Bay College and Wellington Industrial Zone.
Legal and Governance Considerations
MoWRS and GVWC argue that the proposal contradicts government-sanctioned deforestation and encroachment reports and commitments made by President Julius Maada Bio to protect the WAPNP. They have urged stakeholders to reject the proposal outright and consider fair compensation for legally acquired lands while enforcing strict legal action against illegal settlers and land speculators.
Officials have warned that the re-demarcation proposal would benefit only a few at the expense of water security, environmental conservation, and the well-being of millions. They called for collaborative action to protect and restore the WAPNP, ensuring sustainable development for current and future generations.