ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION SERVICES ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN PUJEHUN DISTRICT, SOUTHERN SIERRA LEONE

Access to safe water supply and adequate sanitation services is essential for sustainable community development, improved public health, and enhanced livelihoods. Despite investments in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, many communities in Pujehun District, Southern Sierra Leone, continue to face challenges in accessing safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities. This study assessed the impact of water supply and sanitation services on community development by examining their availability, accessibility, quality, and socio-economic and health implications. A descriptive cross-sectional research design employing a mixed-methods approach was used. Quantitative data were collected through structured household questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained from key informant interviews and focus group discussions. A sample of 222 respondents was selected using the Yamane sample size determination formula. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings showed that although access to water and sanitation services has improved in some communities, significant disparities remain. Respondents identified unreliable water supply, inadequate sanitation facilities, poor waste disposal, and recurrent outbreaks of waterborne diseases, including diarrhoea, typhoid, and cholera, as major challenges. Improved WASH services were found to enhance public health, increase school attendance, improve productivity, and reduce healthcare costs. The study concludes that strengthening WASH infrastructure, promoting community participation, improving institutional coordination, and increasing investment in water and sanitation services are essential for achieving sustainable community development and improving the quality of life in Pujehun District, Sierra Leone.