CENTRE OF DIALOGUE ON HUMAN SETTLEMENT AND POVERTY ... · dwellers” based on the Slum Dwellers International (SDI) model. SDI is a loose transnational network of NGOs and slum dwellers
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CENTRE OF DIALOGUE ON HUMAN SETTLEMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION (CODOHSAPA)
&
FEDERATION OF URBAN AND RURAL POOR (FEDURP)
COMMUNITY-LED ENUMERATION AND PROFILING:
THE STATE OF 11 COASTAL SLUMS IN FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Preface.............................................................................................................................................................3
Aim and Objectives......................................................................................................................9
Overview of Slums......................................................................................................................................9
Old Wharf, Pamoronko, Portee-Rokupa and Susan’s Bay.
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1.1 Aim of the Study
The aim of this survey was to explore and describe the socio-economic, environmental and
demographic conditions of coastal slum settlements in Freetown.
1.2 Specific Objectives
Specific objectives were:
To find out the socio-economic, demographic and environmental landscape of the study
communities; and,
To identify governmental and non-governmental agencies providing social services for the
communities.
2.0 SLUM OVERVIEW
Over 6 billion people currently inhabit the world and, despite a reduced population growth
rate, this number is expected to increase to 8 billion over the coming decades (United Nations
Population Division 2002 & 2011). It is important to note that most of this growth will occur
in cities of developing countries. Differences in income, living conditions, access to services
and opportunities for development are seen as a major source of many conflicts facing today’s
world and can be observed at the global level (developed / developing countries), within a
country (rich and poor regions) but also within cities where the gap between the wealthy
living in gated communities and the poor living in intolerable housing conditions is expanding.
In many developing countries, like Sierra Leone, lack of employment opportunities in the rural
areas contributes to urbanization, which is further accelerated by natural population growth.
Often, however, cities do not offer sufficient employment opportunities for their rapidly
increasing population. As a consequence, many cities are characterized by a high incidence of
informal employment opportunities, which are unstable and yield only low incomes. The
resulting poverty in combination with a lack of affordable housing are driving forces behind
the formation of informal settlements commonly known as slums, which offer only sub-
standard living conditions to their inhabitants in Sierra Leone (UN-HABITAT, 2004). The term
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“urbanization of poverty” describes the process of cities becoming more and more the places
where the poor of the world can be found.
It is a myth that the people in the cities are automatically better off compared to those living in
the rural areas. Recent research (UN-HABITAT, 2003b) has shown that 924 million people, or
31.6% of the world’s urban population, are living under unacceptable conditions, and this
figure will increase unless development agencies scale up their efforts to improve the living
conditions of current and future urban dwellers. The fight against poverty has to take place in
both cities and rural areas or it might well be lost. Still, urban poverty as an issue receives
relatively little attention from donor agencies in Sierra Leone. This is the reality the country
and her key state players and actors have to grapple with.
3.0 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Study Area Description
Sierra Leone is located on the west coast of Africa bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Gwynne
Jones (1978). The country is divided into four (4) geographical regions; Northern, Eastern,
and Southern regions with Western Area where the Capital city (Freetown) is found. Each
region is divided into districts which account for fourteen (14) political districts. Sierra Leone
has a total population of approximately 4,963,298, (Statistics Sierra Leone, 2004).
Majority of this population is found in the urban centres and more concentrated in the capital
city to access opportunities for improved standard of living but a large number can be found
in the slum communities. The dramatic emergence and proliferation of slums in Freetown
became profound following the 11-year civil conflict.
Slum dwellers are mostly unemployed and poor. Actions inter alia that need to be taken to
address environmental challenges include: community capacity building for environmental
protection; increased community participation in water and sanitation projects; providing
alternatives to firewood consumption; increased regional cooperation in conservation;
economic empowerment for slum dwellers; and reform of land tenure. Sierra Leone already
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has a relatively good institutional framework to support environmental sustainability (the
Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency).
Eleven (11) coastal slums were selected thus: Colbot, Falcon Bridge, Government Wharf,
Kanikay, Magazine Wharf, Marbella, Moe Wharf, Old Wharf, Pamoronko, Portee-Rokupa and
Susan’s Bay. These communities are located on the coastline of Freetown.
3.2 Data Collection
Fifty (50) enumerators from various slum communities and members of FEDURP were
identified to carry out the survey supervised by five (5) technical staff of CODOHSAPA and
YMCA in collaboration with two (2) senior staff of the Freetown City Council’s Development
Office. They were trained in basic data collection to build their capacity in information
gathering and dissemination of the SDI model.
Case study research design was employed to critically assess individual slum community,
considering eleven coastal slums in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Both primary and secondary data
were collected to complement this study. Data were analyzed using SPSS to generate
percentages that were represented in tables detailing all the targeted parameters.
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Results were generated based on individual slum community’s details with respected to the
following parameters;
Brief background of the community;
Basic social conditions of the household heads in community;
Population by age specific disaggregation;
Basic social infrastructures in the community;
Governmental and non-governmental agencies working in the community and their areas
of intervention; and,
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Community priority felt needs
The above parameters are succinct and visible in this report. The social conditions of
household heads are presented in a table that shows (sex, marital status, education,
employment, tenancy and membership of the FEDURP), followed by the population of each
community, basic infrastructures, development agencies and community felt needs.
Conclusions and recommendations completed this report.
The results are organised by community as follows:
Colbot;
Falcon Bridge;
Government Wharf;
Kanikay;
Magazine Wharf;
Marbella;
Moe Wharf;
Old Wharf;
Pamoronko;
Portee-Rokupr; and,
Susan’s Bay.
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4.1 COLBOT
4.1.1 BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE COMMUNITY
Location
The Community is located on the East Coast of Freetown bounded by the sea and adjacent to
Bai Bureh Road connecting Freetown to the Rural Urban District. The topography of the
community is undulated and steep-slope towards the sea.
Origin of Name
This community was originally known as Lower Race Course but was changed to Colbot after
a culvert bridge leading to the community was constructed. The name Colbot is a corrupt
derivative of the word culvert. The piece of land was applied for settlement to the Ministry of
Lands in 1975 but was initially inhabited in 1983. The main reason for the influx was revealed
as the high rent of dwelling houses in the city centre.
Economic Activities
Most of the inhabitants get their income from petty trading such as table-top business and
hawking either within the community or other market places in nearby neighbourhood or in
the centre of town. Other form of source of income particularly for the male youth is to take
menial jobs at Queen Elizabeth Quay which is closely situated to the community.
Socio-cultural Structures
The people exhibit their social and cultural beliefs in the following ways; Bondo, Hunting,
Yearie Bondo societies and National Dance Troupe.
Disaster
It is noted that since the establishment of the community it has been affected once by flooding.
The inhabitant however quickly responded by constructing drainages and retaining walls
which has prevented an occurrence of such disaster.
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Community Power Structure
Colbot is located in ward 367 constituency 103. It is governed by a parliamentarian, a
councillor, community chief and ward committees respectively.
Population
Population of Colbot is referred to as the total number of people residing in the community at
the period of the study (6,607 Males, Females and Children) see table 2 below. Table 1 shows
the social statuses of the household heads followed by their age disaggregation by sex in Table
2.
Prevalence Diseases
Diarrhea, Malaria, Chicken pox, Fever, and Pneumonia
4.1.2 SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLD HEADS IN THE COMMUNITY
A comprehensive table was developed to show these distributions as shown in table 1:
Table 1 Sex Distribution of Household Heads Sex Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Male 1059 65.7 Female 553 34.3 Total 1612 100 Marital Status of Household Heads Marital Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Single 285 17.7 Married 1108 68.7 Divorced 39 2.4 Separated 98 6.1 Widowed 82 5.1 Total 1612 100 Educational Status of Household Heads Educational Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Never attended School 668 41.4 Primary School 205 12.7 Secondary School 667 41.4 Tech/Voc 23 1.4
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Tertiary 49 3.0 Total 1612 100 Employment Status of Household Heads Employment Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Unemployed 366 22.7 Self-employed 1021 63.3 In-Paid employed 226 14.0 Total 1612 100 Tenancy Status of Household Heads Tenancy Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Landlord/Lady 1208 74.9 Tenant 404 25.1 Total 1612 100 FEDRUP Membership Membership Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Yes 129 8 No 1483 92.0 Total 1612 100 Source: Field Survey Data, 2011
4.1.3 AGE DISTRIBUTION OF RESIDENT IN COLBOT COMMUNITY
The ages of all residents were critically disaggregated and ranged to clearly show the
population in each age group residing in the community.
>60 2 0.1 4 0.2 6 0.2 Total 3,510 100 3,097 100 6,607 100 Source: Field Survey Data, 2011
The table above clearly indicates that there were more 0-5 year old residents in the Colbot
community than other age cohorts. This shows that the community hosts more under five
children (21.5%) and very few >60 years old residents (0.2%)
4.1.4 COMMUNITY SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Table 3
Source: FGM, 2011
4.1.5 DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
It was revealed by the respondents that no NGOs were operational in the community at the
time of the study. Hence, the need of development projects for the community.
Social Services
Social Service Number Available
Primary School 0 Junior Secondary School 0 Senior Secondary School 0 Health Centre 0 Community Centre 0 Recreational Centre/ Playing ground 0 Public Toilet 0 Source of drinking water 0 Mosque 3 Churches 0 Road network Poor Electricity Available Market place 0 Bar 0 Restaurant 0 Court Barrie 0 Tertiary/ Tech Voc. 0
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4.1.6 COMMUNITY PRIORITY FELT NEEDS
Table 4 Priority Needs Rank Toilet 1 Safe drinking water 2 Health Centre 3 Schools (Primary & Secondary) 4 Drainage and road network 5 Source: FGM, 2011
4.2 FALCON BRIDGE
4.2.1 BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE COMMUNITY
Location The Community is located on the coast line of Freetown in Constituency 107, Ward 378.
Origin of Name Falcon Bridge originated after a British called Falcon who first settled closed on that part of the shores of Freetown. He built a very high retaining wall that looked like a bridge, hence the name Falcon Bridge.
Economic Activities Fishing and petty trading are the main economic activities of residents in this community.
Socio-cultural Structures No distinct cultural practice is maintained in this community Disaster The community had experienced fire disaster that destroyed property worth millions of Leones. In addition, Falcon Bridge is highly prone to flooding. Community Power Structure The community is governed by the local council and specifically by community heads namely, traditional chief and tribal heads
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Population The Population of Falcon Bridge is referred to as the total number of people residing in the
community at the period of the study (819 Males, Females and Children) see table 5 below.
Table 5 also shows the social statuses of the household heads followed by their age
disaggregation by sex in Table 6.
Prevalence Diseases
Malaria, Pneumonia, Chicken Pox, Diarrhoea
4.2.2 SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE HOUSEHOLD HEADS
Table 5 Sex Distribution of Household Heads
Sex Number of Household Heads
Percentage of Household Heads
Male 182 72.8 Female 68 27.2 Total 250 100
Marital Status of Household Heads Marital Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Single 38 12.5 Married 182 72.8 Divorced 5 2.0 Separated 20 8.0 Widowed 5 2.0 Total 250 100
Educational Status of Household Heads Educational Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Never attended School 98 39.2 Primary School 4 19.6 Secondary School 97 38.8 Tech/Voc 1 0.4 Tertiary 5 2.0 Total 250 100
Employment Status of Household Heads Employment Status Number of Household
>60 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Total 450 100.0 369 100.0 819 100.0 Source: Field Survey Data, 2011
4.2.4 COMMUNITY SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Table 7 Social Services
Social Service Number Available Primary School 0 Junior Secondary School 0 Senior Secondary School 0
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Health Centre 0 Community Centre 0 Recreational Centre/ Playing ground 0 Public Toilet 0 Source of drinking water 3 Taps Mosque 1 Churches 0 Road network Very Poor Electricity Available Market place 0 Bar 0 Restaurant 0 Court Barrie 0 Tertiary/ Tech Voc. 0 Source: FGM, 2011
4.2.5 DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY Table 8
Name of Agency/Organisation Main Ares of Intervention Association Rural Development (ARD) Provide Microfinance Concern World Wide Disaster Risk Reduction Save The Children Support children with books and school
uniform Source: FGM, 2011
4.2.6 COMMUNITY PRIORITY FELT NEEDS
Table 9 Priority Needs Rank Health Centre 1 Schools (Primary & Secondary) 2 Source: FGM, 2011
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4.3 GOVERNMENT WHARF
4.3.1 BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE COMMUNITY
Location The Community is located on the coast line of Freetown in ward 378 and constituency 107. This community serves as one of the main ferry harbours from Lungi Airport to Freetown.
Origin of Name This settlement came about in 1961 as a small ghetto of youths who would stay there during day and leave for their residences at night. It is a major wharf where government and private-owned ferries berth, hence the name Government Wharf.
Economic Activities Fishing and petty trading are the main economic activities of residents in this community.
Socio-cultural Structures No distinct cultural practice is maintained in this community. Disaster The community had never experienced disasters but seemingly prone to disaster like flooding. Community Power Structure The community is governed by the local council and specifically by community heads namely, traditional chief and tribal heads. Population The Population Government Wharf is referred to as the total number of people residing in the community at the period of the study (472 Males, Females and Children) see table 10 below. Table 10 also shows the social statuses of the household heads followed by their age disaggregation by sex in Table 11. Prevalence Diseases in the Community
Table 10 Sex Distribution of Household Heads Sex Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Male 88 66.7 Female 44 33.3
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Total 132 100 Marital Status of Household Heads Marital Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Single 30 22.7 Married 87 65.9 Divorced 2 1.5 Separated 7 5.3 Widowed 6 4.5 Total 132 100.0 Educational Status of Household Heads Educational Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Never attended School 33 25 Primary School 26 19.7 Secondary School 73 55.3 Tech/Voc 0 0.0 Tertiary 0 0.0 Total 132 100 Employment Status of Household Heads Employment Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Unemployed 16 12.1 Self-employed 104 78.8 In-Paid employed 12 9.1 Total 132 100 Tenancy Status of Household Heads Tenancy Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Landlord/Lady 89 67.4 Tenant 43 32.6 Total 132 100 FEDRUP Membership Membership Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Yes 6 4.5 No 126 95.5 Total 132 100 Source: Field Survey data, 2011
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4.3.3 AGE DISTRIBUTION OF RESIDENTS IN GOVERNMENT WHARF COMMUNITY
Social Service Number Available Primary School 0 Junior Secondary School 0 Senior Secondary School 0 Health Centre 0 Community Centre 0 Recreational Centre/ Playing ground 0 Public Toilet 1 incomplete Source of drinking water 1 tap Mosque 1 Churches 1 Road network 1 Electricity Available Market place 0 Bar 0 Restaurant 0 Court Barrie 0 Tertiary/ Tech Voc. 0 Source: FGM, 2011
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4.3.5 DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
According to respondents, no development agency operates in the community.
4.3.6 COMMUNITY PRIORITY FELT NEEDS
Table 13
Source: FGM, 2011
4.4 KANIKAY
4.4.1 BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE COMMUNITY Location The Community is located on the east coast of Freetown bounded by the sea. It is located in ward 369 constituency 103. The topography of the community is steep-slope towards the sea with mangrove vegetation. Origin of Name The settlement site was covered by sea and used as a mini harbour for fishermen and marine officers from Tagrin. In 1957 the first settler called Pa Alimamy, banked the sea side and constructed a shack. Thereafter, other fishermen and business people started settling in the community. Economic Activities In this community, men are economically involved in menial jobs at the country’s natural harbour, Queen Elizabeth II Quay which enhances marine activities. Socio-cultural Structures The inhabitants practice cultural activities such as, Bondo, Hunting, Ojeh societies and also play Jolly as part of their social life. Disaster The community is prone to flooding. However, the incidence of flooding was not revealed as regular. High tides usually affect the normal functioning of the community.
Priority Needs Rank Public toilet 1 Safe drinking water 2 Schools (Primary & Secondary) 3
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Community Power Structure Kanikay is governed by a parliamentarian, a councillor, community chief and ward committees respectively. Population Population of Kanikay is referred to as the total number of people residing in the community at the period of the study (1515 Males, Females and Children) see table 14 below. Table 14 also shows the social statuses of the household heads followed by their age disaggregation by sex in Table 15. Prevalence Diseases in the Community
Small pox, Fever, Malnourishment, Malaria, Head ache, Pneumonia
4.4.2 SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE HOUSEHOLD HEADS IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 14 Sex Distribution of Household Heads
Sex Number of Household Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Male 214 57.8 Female 156 42.2 Total 370 100
Marital Status of Household Heads Marital Status Number of Household Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Single 61 16.5 Married 234 63.4 Divorced 23 6.2 Separated 26 7.0 Widowed 26 7.0 Total 370 100
Educational Status of Household Heads Educational Status Number of Household Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Never attended School
128 34.6
Primary School 65 17.6 Secondary School 159 43.0 Tech/Voc 2 0.5 Tertiary 16 4.3 Total 370 100
Employment Status of Household Heads Employment Status Number of Household Heads Percentage of Household
Tenancy Status of Household Heads Tenancy Status Number of Household Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Landlord/Lady 104 28.1 Tenant 266 71.9 Total 370 100
FEDURP Membership Membership Number of Household Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Yes 59 15.9 No 311 84.1 Total 370 100 Source: Field Survey data, 2011 The table above shows that 57.8% of the respondents were male household heads, and 63.4% were revealed married. 43% attained secondary level education, 52.4% self-employed, 71.9% tenant and 15.9% FEDRUP members.
4.4.3 AGE DISTRIBUTION OF RESIDENTS IN KANIKAY COMMUNITY
Social Service Number Available Primary School 1 Junior Secondary School 0 Senior Secondary School 0 Health Centre 0 Community Centre 0 Recreational Centre/ Playing ground 0 Public Toilet 0 Source of drinking water 1 Mosque 2 Churches 1 Road network Poor Electricity Available Market place 0 Bar 1 Restaurant 1 Court Barrie 0 Tertiary/ Tech Voc. 0 Source: FGM, 2011
4.4.5 DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 17 Name of Agency Main Ares of Intervention GOAL Gives out scholarships to school going pupils.
Provides skills training for youths LEO CEM Constructs community centre. Provides
scholarships for school going children. Source: FGM, 2011
4.4.6 COMMUNITY PRIORITY FELT NEEDS
Table 18
Priority Needs Rank
Youth livelihood skills training 1 Safe Drinking Water 2
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4.5 MAGAZINE WHARF
4.5.1 BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE COMMUNITY Location The Community is located on the coast line of Freetown in ward 374 and constituency 105.
Origin of Name Magazine Wharf originated as small boats harbour point in 1948. It was a fishing business Centre. As a fish selling centre, some fishermen decided to settle at the centre. This community is divided into Magazine (1) and Magazine (2).
Economic Activities Fishing and petty trading are the main economic activities of residents in the community.
Socio-cultural Structures The people of Magazine today culturally and socially practice Bondo, Eastern Paddle and Airy Magazine Disaster Two separate fatal fire disasters had occurred in this community and a seasonal flooding occurs in the community in the months of August and September.
Community Power Structure The community is governed by the local council and specifically by community heads namely, traditional chief and tribal heads Population The Population of Magazine Wharf is referred to as the total number of people residing in the community at the period of the study (3,415 Males, Females and Children) see table 19 below. Table 19 also shows the social statuses of the household heads followed by their age disaggregation by sex in Table 20. Prevalence Disease in the Community Malaria, Chicken Pox, Fever, Pneumonia, Diarrhoea
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4.5.2 SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE HOUSEHOLD HEADS IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 19 Sex Distribution of Household Heads
Sex Number of Household Heads Percentage of Household Heads Male 509 62.7 Female 303 37.3 Total 812 100
Marital Status of Household Heads
Marital Status Number of Household Heads Percentage of Household Heads Single 139 17.1 Married 569 70.1 Divorced 16 2.0 Separated 36 4.4 Widowed 52 6.4 Total 812 100
Educational Status of Household Heads Educational Status Number of Household Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Never attended School 353 42.5 Primary School 122 15.0 Secondary School 306 37.7 Tech/Voc 10 1.2 Tertiary 21 2.6 Total 812 100
Employment Status of Household Heads Employment Status Number of Household Heads Percentage of Household
>60 23 1.3 28 1.7 51 1.5 Total 1,765 100.0 1,650 100.0 3,415 100.0 Source: Field Survey Data, 2011 4.5.4 Community infrastructures
Table 21 Social Services
Social Service Number Available Primary School 0 Junior Secondary School 0 Senior Secondary School 0 Health Centre 0 Community Centre 0 Recreational Centre/ Playing ground 0 Public Toilet 2 Source of drinking water 2 Mosque 1 Churches 0 Road network 0 Electricity Available Market place Available Bar 1 Restaurant 0 Court Barrie 0 Tertiary/ Tech Voc. 0 Source: FGM, 2011
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4.5.5 DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 22 Name of Agency/Organisation Main Ares of Intervention GOAL Provides safe drinking water and mosquito nets Concern World Wide Provides Medicare and sanitation Source: FGM, 2011 4.5.6 COMMUNITY PRIORITY FELT NEEDS Table 23 Priority Needs Rank Health Centre 1 Community Centre 2 Primary school 3 Source: FGM, 2011
4.6 MARBELLA
4.6.1 BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE COMMUNITY
Location The Community is located on the coast line of Freetown in Constituency 105, Ward 374.
Origin of Name Marbella is a place where piassava was launched and peeled for exporting. One Pa Paul was the original founder of the place and since then it had been inhabited
Economic Activities Fishing and petty trading are the main economic activities of residents in this community.
Socio-cultural Structures They socially entertain themselves with Paddle Ojeh, and Adabba societies.
Disaster The community experiences seasonal flooding in the months of August and September. Community Power Structure The community is governed by the local council and specifically by community heads namely, traditional chief and tribal heads.
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Population The Population of Marbella is referred to as the total number of people residing in the community at the period of the study (2,195 Males, Females and Children) see table 24 below. Table 24 also shows the social statuses of the household heads followed by their age disaggregation by sex in Table 25. Prevalence diseases in the Community Malaria, Pneumonia, Fever, Malnourishment, Cough in Children
4.6.2 SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE HOUSEHOLD HEADS IN MARBELLA COMMUNITY
Table 24 Sex Distribution of Household Heads
Sex Number of Household Heads
Percentage of Household Heads
Male 348 64.6 Female 191 35.4 Total 539 100
Marital Status of Household Heads Marital Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Single 88 16.3 Married 380 70.5 Divorced 9 1.7 Separated 38 7.1 Widowed 24 4.5 Total 539 100
Educational Status of Household Heads Educational Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Never attended School 211 39.1 Primary School 73 13.5 Secondary School 230 42.7 Tech/Voc 6 1.1 Tertiary 19 3.5 Total 539 100
Employment Status of Household Heads Employment Status Number of Household
>60 15 1.3 18 1.7 33 1.7 Total 1123 100.0 1072 100.0 2195 100.0 Source: Field Survey Data, 2011
4.6.4 COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Table 26 Social Services
Social Service Number Available Primary School 5 Junior Secondary School 1 Senior Secondary School 1 Health Centre 1 Community Centre 0
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Recreational Centre/ Playing ground 1 Public Toilet 2 Source of drinking water 2 Mosque 7 Churches 3 Road network Poor Electricity Available Market place 1 Bar 3 Restaurant 0 Court Barrie 0 Tertiary/ Tech Voc. 0 Source: FGM, 2011
4.6.5 DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 27 Name Main Ares of Intervention GOAL Child’s protection, health care provision and Day care for
deprived children and skills training for youths Concern World Wide Constructs health centre, provides essential drugs and
sensitize on sanitation Save the Children Supports school going children and provides school
materials YMCA Supports youths with skills training Source: FGM, 2011
4.6.6 COMMUNITY PRIORITY FELT NEEDS
Table 28 Priority Needs Rank Community Centre 1 Public toilet 2 Livelihood skills training for the youths 3 Source: FGM, 2011
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4.7 MOE WHARF
4.7.1 BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE COMMUNITY
Location The Community is located on the coast line of Freetown in ward 371 and constituency 104.
Origin of Name Since the establishment of the Queen Elizabeth Quay, the entire adjacent sea side lands were developed into settlement, and this piece of land was used for the temporary anchoring of boats and as far as 1930 people started settling in this community. The name “Moe” simply means “go moe de boat na waf.” By this the name Moe Wharf was adopted and over time, more and more people migrated from the provinces and other parts of the city and made dwelling in this locality.
Economic Activities Fishing and petty trading are the main economic activities of residents in this community.
Socio-cultural Structures Community members socially celebrate Sea Marble society
Disaster The community experiences seasonal flooding. Community Power Structure The community is governed by the local council and specifically by community heads namely, traditional chief and tribal heads. Population The Population of Moe Wharf referred to as the total number of people residing in the community at the period of the study (5,337 Males, Females and Children) see table 29 below. Table 29 also shows the social statuses of the household heads followed by their age disaggregation by sex in Table 30. Prevalence Diseases in the community Malaria, Fever, Pneumonia, Diarrhoea Tetanus in pregnant women
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4.7.2 SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE HOUSEHOLD HEADS IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 29 Sex Distribution of Household Heads
Sex Number of Household Heads
Percentage of Household Heads
Male 594 66.4 Female 301 33.6 Total 895 100
Marital Status of Household Heads Marital Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Single 131 14.6 Married 670 74.9 Divorced 26 2.9 Separated 36 4.0 Widowed 32 3.6 Total 895 100
Educational Status of Household Heads Educational Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Never attended School 387 43.2 Primary School 144 16.1 Secondary School 341 38.1 Tech/Voc 8 0.9 Tertiary 15 1.7 Total 895 100
Employment Status of Household Heads Employment Status Number of Household
Social Service Number Available Primary School 0 Junior Secondary School 0 Senior Secondary School 0 Health Centre 0 Community Centre 0 Recreational Centre/ Playing ground 0 Public Toilet 0 Source of drinking water 4 Mosque 2 Churches 0 Road network 0 Electricity Available Market place 0 Bar 0
4.7.5 DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
According to respondents, no development agency operates in the community.
4.7.6 PRIORITY FELT NEEDS
Table 32 Priority needs Rank Bridge construction between Number and Petrol station 1
Drainage construction 2
Source: FGM, 2011
4.8 OLD WHARF
4.8.1 BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE COMMUNITY
Location The Community is located on the coast line of Freetown in ward 348 and constituency 97.
Origin of Name This community started as an ordinary harbour for sales of fish from Kambia Island around 1950 and it is the oldest wharf in Freetown, hence the name Old Wharf.
Economic Activities Fishing and petty trading are the main economic activities of residents in this community.
Socio-cultural Structures Inhabitants practice Ojeh, Bondo, and Poro societies as part of their cultural beliefs.
Disaster The community experiences seasonal flooding in the months of August and September. Community Power Structure The community is governed by the local council and specifically by community heads namely, traditional chief and tribal heads
39
Population The Population of Old Wharf is referred to as the total number of people residing in the community at the period of the study (5,662 Males, Females and Children) see table 33 below. Table 33 also shows the social statuses of the household heads followed by their age disaggregation by sex in Table 34. Prevalence diseases in the Community Malaria, Pneumonia, Fever, Malnourishment, Cough in Children
4.8.2 SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE HOUSEHOLD HEADS IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 33 Sex Distribution of Household Heads
Sex Number of Household Heads
Percentage of Household Heads
Male 815 65.3 Female 433 34.7 Total 1,248 100
Marital Status of Household Heads Marital Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Single 163 13.1 Married 902 72.3 Divorced 28 2.2 Separated 82 6.6 Widowed 73 5.8 Total 1,248 100
Educational Status of Household Heads Educational Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Never attended School 543 43.5 Primary School 182 14.6 Secondary School 425 34.1 Tech/Voc 24 1.9 Tertiary 74 5.9 Total 1,248 100
Employment Status of Household Heads Employment Status Number of Household
>60 79 2.7 49 1.8 128 2.3 Total 2907 100.0 2755 100.0 5662 100.0 Source: Field Survey Data, 2011
4.8.3 SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 35 Social Services
Social Service Number Available Primary School 8 Junior Secondary School 5 Senior Secondary School 4 Health Centre 3 Community Centre 0
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Recreational Centre/ Playing ground 0 Public Toilet 0 Source of drinking water 4 Mosque 7 Churches 7 Road network 1 Electricity Available Market place 0 Bar 1 Restaurant 0 Court Barrie 0 Tertiary/ Tech Voc. 0 Source: FGM, 2011
4.8.5 DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 36 Name Main Ares of Intervention Christian Brothers
Awards scholarships and provides school materials pupils.
Family Home Movement Provides ice for cooling and preservation of fish.
Source: FGM, 2011 4.8.6 COMMUNITY PRIORITY FELT NEEDS
Table 37 Priority Needs Rank Agricultural supports 1 Public toilet 2 Safe Drinking Water 3 Court Barrie 4 Recreational centre 5 Source: FGM, 2011
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4.9 PAMRONKO
4.9.1 BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE COMMUNITY
Location The Community is located on the East Coast of Freetown bounded by the sea. It is located in wards 346 and constituency 96. The topography of the community is steep-slope and fairly flat towards the sea. Origin of Name The name Pamoronko originated from the local Temne word Kaironko meaning ‘too many palm trees’. Over time, the prefix ‘Kai’ was removed and replaced by ‘palm, and hence the name ‘Pamoronko’.
Economic Activities Their main economic activities are fishing and the production of white wash from oyster shells.
Socio-cultural Structures The members culturally practiced Bondo, Ojeh, and theatre dance troupe. Disaster Flooding is seasonal and it affects the agricultural lands Community Power Structure Pamoronko is governed by a parliamentarian, a councillor, community chief and ward committee head respectively. Population Population of Pamoronko is referred to as the total number of people residing in the community at the period of the study (6,130 Males, Females and Children) see table 38 below. Table 38 also shows the social statuses of the household heads followed by their age disaggregation by sex in Table 39. Prevalence diseases in the Community Malaria, Pneumonia, Fever, Malnourishment, Cough in Children
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4.9.2 SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE HOUSEHOLD HEADS IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 38 Sex Distribution of Household Heads
Sex Number of Household Heads Percentage of Household Heads Male 686 55.3 Female 554 44.7 Total 1,240 100
Marital Status of Household Heads Marital Status Number of Household Heads Percentage of Household Heads Single 180 14.5 Married 901 72.7 Divorced 23 1.9 Separated 64 5.2 Widowed 72 5.8 Total 1,240 100
Educational Status of Household Heads Educational Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Never attended School 472 38.1 Primary School 162 13.1 Secondary School 458 36.9 Tech/Voc 47 3.8 Tertiary 101 8.1 Total 1,240 100
Employment Status of Household Heads Employment Status Number of Household
>60 105 3.3 118 4.0 223 3.6 Total 3183 100.0 2947 100.0 6130 100.0 Source: Field Survey Data, 2011
4.9.4 SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 40 Social Services
Social Service Number Available Primary School 4 Junior Secondary School 0 Senior Secondary School 0 Health Centre 0 Community Centre Under construction Recreational Centre/ Playing ground 0 Public Toilet 0 Source of drinking water 30 water wells(10 protected Mosque 11 Churches 3 Road network 8 Electricity Available Market place 0 Bar 8 Restaurant 2 Court Barrie 0 Tertiary/ Tech Voc. 1 Source: FGM, 2011
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4.9.5 DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 41 Name Main Ares of Intervention Action Aid Provides scholarships for primary school going children,
train teachers and sensitizes on HIV/AIDS Oxfam( comic relief support)
Provides health and sanitation services
ACF Supply containers for safe drinking water YDM Rehabilitate wells empower youths with skills training Source: FGM, 2011 4.9.6 COMMUNITY PRIORITY FELT NEEDS Table 42
Source: FGM, 2011
4.10 PORTEE-ROKUPR
4.10.1 BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE COMMUNITY
Location The Community is located on the East Coast of Freetown bounded by the sea. It is located in Wards 354/355 and Constituency 99. The topography of the community is valley and steep-slope towards the sea. Origin of Name The community emerged after Pa Rokupr, a pepper seller who established the first settlement in 1942, thereafter, a very high population influx during the Sierra Leone civil war has led to the gradual expansion of the community through water banking to formulate land where dwelling houses are constructed.
Priority Needs Rank Health Centre 1 Market 2 Safe Drinking Water 3
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Economic Activities Their main economic activity is petty trading and fishing.
Socio-cultural Structures The members culturally practice Bondo society
Disaster The community is prone to seasonal flooding and mud slides. Community Power Structure Portee-Rokupr is governed by a parliamentarian, a councillor, community chief and ward committees, respectively. Population Population of Portee-Rokupr is referred to as the total number of people residing in the community at the period of the study (6,049 Males, Females and Children) see table 43 below. Table 43 also shows the social statuses of the household heads followed by their age disaggregation by sex in Table 44. Prevalence diseases in the Community Malaria, Pneumonia, Fever, Malnourishment, Small Pox
4.10.2 SOCIAL CONDITION OF THE HOUSEHOLD HEADS IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 43 Sex Distribution of Household Heads
Sex Number of Household Heads
Percentage of Household Heads
Male 783 60.1 Female 520 39.9 Total 1,303 100
Marital Status of Household Heads Marital Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Single 176 13.5 Married 946 72.6 Divorced 57 4.4 Separated 57 4.4 Widowed 67 5.1 Total 1,303 100
Educational Status of Household Heads Educational Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household
Heads Never attended School 572 43.9
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Primary School 198 15.2 Secondary School 454 34.8 Tech/Voc 36 2.8 Tertiary 43 3.3 Total 1,303 100
Employment Status of Household Heads Employment Status Number of Household
Total 3,085 100.0 2,964 100.0 6,049 100.0 Source: Field Survey Data, 2011 4.10 .4 SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 45 Social Services
Social Service Number Available Primary School 1 Junior Secondary School 0 Senior Secondary School 0 Health Centre 0 Community Centre 0 Recreational Centre/ Playing ground 0 Public Toilet 1 Source of drinking water 2 Mosque 3 Churches 2 Road network 0 Electricity 0 Market place Available Bar 0 Restaurant 0 Court Barrie 0 Tertiary/ Tech Voc. 0 Source: FGM, 2011
4.10.5 DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 46 Name Main Ares of Intervention Concern World Wide Constructs bridges, supply bed nets, provides scholarships
for school going pupils, manages disaster and also provides safe drinking water.
GOAL Awards scholarships to pupils, constructs water wells, and provides shelter for disadvantage children child welfare committee.
Save the Children Forms children’s club and sensitizes on HIV/AIDS. Source: FGM, 2011
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4.10.6 COMMUNITY FELT NEEDS Table 47 Priority Needs Rank Health Centre 1 Safe Drinking Water 2 Road network 3 4.11 SUSAN’S BAY
4.11.1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMUNITY
Location The Community is located on the East Coast of Freetown bounded by the sea. It is located in wards 377 & 378 and constituency 107. The topography of the community is steep-slope towards the sea. Origin of Name A British Governor established this settlement and named it Susan’s Bay after the name his wife, hence the name of the settlement. The year of first settlement is however not known by the inhabitants.
Economic Activities Their main economic activity is wood selling.
Socio-cultural Structures The members culturally practice Bondo society and socially participate in Japan Adele and Airy Big Wharf societies.
Disaster The community is prone to seasonal flooding. Community Power Structure Susan’s Bay is governed by a parliamentarian, a councillor, community chief and ward committees respectively.
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Population Population of Susan’s Bay is referred to as the total number of people residing in the community at the period of the study (7,519 Males, Females and Children) see table 48 below. Table 48 also shows the social statuses of the household heads followed by their age disaggregation by sex in Table 49. Prevalence diseases in the Community Malaria, Pneumonia, Chicken Pox Fever, Malnourishment, Cough in Children
4.11.2 SOCIAL CONDITION OF THE HOUSEHOLD HEADS IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 48 Sex Distribution of Household Heads
Sex Number of Household Heads
Percentage of Household Heads
Male 1197 64.5 Female 660 35.5 Total 1857 100
Marital Status of Household Heads Marital Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Single 289 15.6 Married 1353 72.9 Divorced 25 1.3 Separated 85 4.6 Widowed 105 5.7 Total 1857 100
Educational Status of Household Heads Educational Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Never attended School 843 45.4 Primary School 282 15.2 Secondary School 680 36.6 Tech/Voc 7 0.4 Tertiary 45 2.4 Total 1857 100
Employment Status of Household Heads Employment Status Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Unemployed 1099 57.2 Self-employed 616 33.2 In-Paid employed 142 7.6 Total 1857 100 Tenancy Status of Household Heads
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Tenancy Status Number of Household Heads
Percentage of Household Heads
Landlord/Lady 315 17.1 Tenant 1540 82.9 Total 1857 100 FEDRUP Membership Membership Number of Household
Heads Percentage of Household Heads
Yes 236 12.7 No 1621 87.3 Total 1857 100 Source: Field Survey data, 2011
4.11.3 AGE DISTRIBUTION OF RESIDENTS IN SUSAN’S BAY COMMUNITY
Social Service Number Available Primary School 1 Junior Secondary School 0 Senior Secondary School 0 Health Centre Under construction Community Centre 0
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Recreational Centre/ Playing ground 0 Public Toilet 3 Source of drinking water 2 (irregular) Mosque 6 Churches 0 Road network 0 Electricity Available Market place 0 Bar 0 Restaurant 0 Court Barrie 0 Tertiary/ Tech Voc. 0 Source: FGM, 2011 4.11.5 DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
Table 51 Name Main Ares of Intervention GOAL Provides financial supports to women Concern World Word Wide Forms disaster management groups and guide on
health and sanitation Save The Children Form child welfare committees and sensitizes about
HIV/AIDS YMCA Provide Tec/Voc training for young people Source: FGM, 2011 4.11.6 COMMUNITY PRIORITY FELT NEEDS Table 52 Priority Needs Rank Community Centre 1 Public toilet 2 Court Barrie 3 Source: FGM, 2011
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5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 CONCLUSION
In the recent past, there had been repeated calls from the general public and some political figures to enforce eviction and/or relocation of informal settlers and slum dwellers to safer and conducive locations.. However, stakeholders at various levels of authority have realised that it is not feasible due to varieties of social, economic and political reasons.
Key among these reasons includes the following:
It is financially and economically costly for the government and municipality to enforce relocation due to the dense population of these settlements; and,
There will a disruption of the social and economic life of the inhabitants as their livelihoods and survival is closely tied to the city centre where jobs, schools, market, etc, are located and accessible.
Notwithstanding some of these views, it is becoming clear that life in these eleven (11) communities are plagued with diseases, pollution, environmental hazards as a result of the lack of water, sanitation and hygiene for the growing population.
In the area of sanitation, it was observed that Susan’s Bay and Marbella particularly, have the worst drainage systems. Most of the household wastes and human faeces are thrown into the unplanned drainages. During the day children and pigs are seeing recreating in the drainages, thus exposing them to an obvious risk of water born diseases. In the rainy season, part of the area is flooded as the water from the city is emptied into these areas before getting into the ocean. With this, there have been reported cases of flooding and loss of life and properties.
Crime rate is apparently high in these communities, simply because there is no proper building planning which makes it impossible for security personnel to patrol the neighbourhoods and track down potential criminals or prevent acts of criminality. In essence these localities serve as safe havens for criminals who carry out their criminal enterprises in the centre of the city or rich neighbourhoods, and safely return to their ‘covens’ or hideouts. This situation therefore, has the tendency to serve as a threat to internal security and the safety of the citizenry, which in turn discourages investments and hence cripple the pursuant of social and economic programming and development of the country.
Additionally,, because of the unplanned nature of the settlements where the shacks are closely located to each other with little or no access routes, incidence of fire have often been disastrous, mostly resulting into loss of lives and properties worth millions of leones.
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5.1 RECOMMENDATION From the foregoing, it is obvious that there is an urgent need for the government and her development partners and agencies to respond to the emergence and compelling realities of slums and informal settlements especially in Freetown. The following recommendations have been proffered to serve as guide to setting up a response mechanism or develop agenda for improvement and transformation of slums:
To set up a multi-stakeholder platform inclusive of politicians, social development agents, technocrats, financial institutions and slum dwellers where discussions, planning and decisions are made to address the problems of slums. Through this platform a long term strategic relocation and development plan can be designed within the framework of acceptable international standards on eviction and relocation. By so doing, international development partners and financiers can be willing to support;
A short and medium term upgrading intervention in areas such as provision of good health facilities, good drinking water sources, sanitation, education for children and youths, financial services and opportunities for women and settlement planning to eke out additional spaces for increased accessibility for recreation and improvement on security in these communities. This provides a quick response to addressing a potential disaster so that lives can be saved now. Also such interventions can gradually “remove the slum from the people rather than removing the people from the slum”; and,
To conduct similar survey in other informal and slum settlements in the entire Freetown municipality, as such government, the municipality and development partners and agents should support financially and technically to achieve this objective.
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ANNEX REFERENCE 1) APHRC (2002): Population and Health Dynamics in Nairobi’s Informal Settlements. Report
of the Nairobi 2) Cross-Sectional Slums Survey (NCSS) 2000. Nairobi. 3) UN-HABITAT (2003a); The Challenge of Slums, Global report on Human Settlements 2003.
Nairobi. 4) http://hq.unhabitat.org/register/shop.asp 5) UN-HABITAT (2003b); Slums of the World: the face of urban poverty in the new
millennium. Nairobi. 6) http://www.unhabitat.org/publication/slumreport. 7) UN-HABITAT (2003c): Guide to Monitoring Target 11: Improving the lives of 100 million
slum dwellers, Nairobi. 8) UN-HABITAT (2004); Urban Poverty and slums, intra-city differential study of Nairobi,
internal report.
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List of Participants No Name Position/Savings Group Organization/Community
1 Umu Hawa Bah Tawopaneh Savings Group Kroo Bay
2 Jeneba Kallon Sinavah Savings Group Dworzack
3 Samuel Cox Kamara Tabenu Savings Group Kroo Bay
4 Mabinty Sillah Tamaraneh Savings Group Kroo Bay
5 Aruna Bayoh Agape Savings Group Dworzack
6 Victor M. Kamara Tamemsu Savings Group Pamoronkoh
7 Daniell Koroma Tamemsu Savings Group Pamoronkoh
8 Sallu S. Koroma Tamemsu Savings Group Pamoronkoh
9 Adikalie S. Kamara Tamemsu Savings Group Pamoronkoh
10 Jamiatu Sesay Self Help Savings Group Dworzack
11 Kadiatu Kanu Takilie Savings Group Magazine
12 Abigail Kamara Takilie Savings Group Magazine
13 Morgan M. Kamara God Bless Savings Group Dworzack
14 M’balu Kamara Tamaraneh Savings Group Kroo Bay
15 Kadiatu Kamara Sorbeh Savings Group Dworzack
16 Mary Turay Love One Another Savings Group Dworzack
17 Albert Kaytoeh Mimboinadae Savings Group Dworzack
18 Yirah O. Conteh Mimboinadae Savings Group Dworzack
19 Amara Alpha Sesay Aliafuf Savings Group Colbot
20 Ibrahim S. Sesay Sapobah Savings Group Colbot
21 Osman Bangura Aliafuf Savings Group Colbot
22 Hawa Sesay Sapobah Savings Group Colbot
23 Abu Bakarr Suma Tawopaneh Savings Group Moe Wharf
24 Osman Caulker Tawopaneh Savings Group Moe Wharf
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No Name Position/Savings Group Organization/Community
25 Mohamed K. Kamara Tamaraneh Savings Group Marbella
26 Abu Sesay United Friends Savings Group Magazine
27 Mustapha Vandi Sipotima Savings Group Susan’s Bay
28 Yusuf Kargbo Tamaraneh Savings Group Marbella
29 Ibrahim S. Kamara Tamaraneh Savings Group Marbella
30 Alie Bangura Tamaraneh Savings Group Marbella
31 Momoh Mansaray Hope Savings Group Magazine
32 Victoria Kargbo Tamaraneh Savings Group Marbella
33 Abdul Bangura Tamaraneh Marbella
34 Abdul Rahman Kargbo Together As One Savings Group Old Wharf
35 Alimamy M. Kamara Together As One Savings Group Old Wharf
36 Safinatu Dumbuya Yamapa Savings Group Old Wharf
37 Amara Bangura Yamapa Savings Group Old Wharf
38 Zainab Bangura Self Help Savings Group Dworzack
39 Samuel K. Kamara Self Help Savings Group Dworzack
40 Lamin S. Bangura Sipotima Savings Group Susan’s Bay
41 Ibrahim M. Sankoh Sipotima Savings Group Susan’s Bay
42 Mayenie Bangura Tamaraneh Savings Group Kroo Bay
43 Marie Bangura Sipotima Savings Group Susan’s Bay
44 Fatmata Sowe Dynamic Savings Group Kroo Bay
45 Samuel Sandi Tawopaneh Savings Group Moe Wharf
46 Foday Swarray Dimdin Savings Group Funkia
47 Haja Marrah Dimdin Savings Group Funkia
48 Konie Samura Limaniya Savings Group Funkia
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No Name Position/Savings Group Organization/Community
49 Hawa Kanu Limaniya Savings Group Funkia
50 Andrew Williams Unity Savings Group Kolleh Town
51 Sibella Swarray Community Development Worker YMCA
52 Tom Menjor DRR Project Coordinator YMCA
53 Paul Ndoko Field Officer CODOHSAPA
54 Samuel Sesay Field Officer CODOHSAPA
55 Ben Turay Programme Coordinator CODOHSAPA
56 Abdul Marah Development Officer/FCC-EU Urban Planning Project Manager
Freetown City Council
57 Issa Mohamed Jalloh Economist Freetown City Council