Clean Water, Changed Lives: The Story of Rogbom Sella Community
Written by Alimatu Koroma
In the heart of Rogbom Sella, a remote community in the Bombali District of northern Sierra Leone, lies a story of resilience, transformation, and hope. For years, the people of Rogbom Sella suffered from a lack of access to safe drinking water, a challenge that caused severe health problems including cholera, frequent diarrhoea, and other waterborne diseases.
The Challenge
Before 2023, accessing clean water in Rogbom Sella was a daily struggle. Women and girls often walked more than a mile and a half to a nearby village in search of purified water. Their efforts were not always successful; at times, they were turned away because they did not belong to those communities. With no other options, residents resorted to collecting swamp water contaminated with bacteria and debris, a dangerous source for human consumption.
A Community’s Plea
During an outreach visit, the village head and other community stakeholders raised their concerns with the Media Matters for Women (MMW) team, appealing for support to construct a well for the village. Their plea was taken up by MMW and presented to the organization’s donor partners. A few months later, with support from ‘Friends from Florida’, MMW successfully constructed a borehole in the community, bringing clean and safe water directly to Rogbom Sella for the first time.
The Impact
Two years after the borehole’s installation, the transformation in Rogbom Sella is remarkable. Residents now have access to clean and reliable water at the center of their community. Women and girls no longer have to travel long distances to fetch water, a journey that once exposed them to risks and exploitation.
The community reports a significant decline in cases of cholera, diarrhoea, and other waterborne diseases. Girls now have more time for school and household activities, and overall health and hygiene standards in the village have improved dramatically.
A Testament of Transformation
The story of Rogbom Sella is a testament to community resilience, partnership, and the impact of sustainable interventions. Through collaboration with Media Matters for Women, the people of Rogbom Sella have regained their dignity, health, and hope, all through the simple but life-changing gift of clean water.
“We are so grateful to Media Matters for Women,” said one community elder. “Our children are healthy, and our women no longer suffer. This borehole has truly changed our lives.”
