Residents of Sig Madina in Conakry, Guinea, have seen a significant improvement in their daily lives thanks to access to safe drinking water. Makalé Cissé, a mother of five, used to struggle to meet her family's water needs, often walking long distances to fetch water of questionable quality. Reflecting on the past challenges, Makalé stated, "Not only was it a long way to go, but the quality of the water wasn’t even good enough. My children would often get sick; plus, having to go and fetch water affected my daughter’s performance at school."
However, with the implementation of the Guinea Urban Water Project (PUEG) in 2018, funded by the World Bank, significant improvements have been made. Through investments in infrastructure, over 1,500 homes in underserved neighborhoods, including Sig Madina, have been connected to the water network. This has allowed more than 30,000 people to gain access to safe drinking water and better manage their water consumption.
Makalé's household was among those connected to the water network, providing them with easier access to safe water. Expressing her relief and gratitude, Makalé remarked, "Once we have water, we have life." With a water meter installed in her home, Makalé now pays significantly less for water, allowing her to invest the saved money in income-generating activities for her family.
Moussa Camara, Deputy General Manager in charge of infrastructure and development at Guinea Water Company, highlighted the impact of the project, stating, "The project made it possible to boost storage and distribution capacity by drastically reducing leaks and revenue loss." The efforts to lay new pipes and improve water supply have not only enhanced efficiency but also increased the quality of water reaching homes in the area.
Looking ahead, the Guinea Water and Sanitation Project (PEAG), a US$200 million initiative financed by the World Bank, is set to further improve access to safe drinking water in urban areas, including Greater Conakry. The project aims to enhance throughput, transport, storage, and distribution of safe drinking water, marking a significant step towards providing essential services to the people of Conakry.
The success of these projects signifies a positive transformation in the lives of residents, like Makalé Cissé, who no longer have to struggle for access to safe water. The provision of reliable and clean drinking water not only improves health outcomes but also empowers individuals and communities to thrive.