Ebola outbreak causing decline in cattle sales approaching Eid

 The sales of cattle in Sierra Leone is expected to decline approaching the Muslim feast of Eidul Adha. This decline has been blamed on the Ebola outbreak that has forced authorities to ban all public gathering including the traditional sara (sacrifice) done on Eidul Adha as a fulfilment of one of the pillars of Islam. "By this time last year, many people were coming to buy sheep but this year it has been a different case. Sales has been very slow. I hope by the time the pray day finally comes, more customers will come."

Residents of Freetown fetching water from a broken pipe

Residents in Freetown in the Western area of Sierra Leone have to grapple with the daily reality of water shortage. This situation has become a very serious situation over the last decade with a massive urbanisation to the Western area that followed the end of the country's war. The Guma valley water dam at mile thirteen was to cater for a population slightly over 900,000 but that number has multiplied without any possible solution to meet the increase in population.  People in rural communities of the country do suffer too due to the absence of pipe borne water. Additionally, most water wells in rural Sierra Leone lack the necessary purification for a clean drinking water. 

Sierra Leone comedians promote soap that could prevent Ebola

Comedians on the Streets of Freetown promote a soap (liquid and in sachets) and the message is the soap could help in the prevention of the Ebola spread.

seaweeds cover Sierra Leone's Lumley beach

In the midst of the Ebola outbreak that has hit Sierra Leone and her neighbours in West Africa, Brown seaweeds have covered one of Sierra Leone's most beautiful beaches; the Lumley beach. While this is a serious environmental issue, the government and its partners are very busy developing strategies to fight one of its worse health disaster so far. However, it is important for environmental authorities and their stakeholders to start planning means of ridding off the  the seaweeds from the beach. Environmental agencies should do this alongside businesses along the beach.  Sooner the health issue is resolved, Sierra Leone will gain back its status in tourism. 

Sierra Leonean youths creating jobs for themselves

Sierra Leonean youths are creating jobs for themselves with the growing awareness of the limited job opportunities in the country.  " I am 23 years old. I have been washing cars for 1 year 11 months. I am happy because I am earning an honest income. I don't have money to further my education but at least I can take care of my basic needs. I charge between le 15,000 to le 20,000 depending on the size of the vehicle. I charge more for bigger vehicles. I am never shot of customers.  At least one or more will come in a day. The job is so very much fulfilling and give me so much satisfaction within. I look forward to it everyday. I hope to establish my own car wash centre one day. Thanks to you."

Ebola outbreak boosts bitter kola sales

Following reports that the local fruit bitter kola is on a clinical trial in a USA laboratory to cure the deadly Ebola virus, there has been a boost in the sales of bitter kola. This retailer is using the good news to woo customers from all ages and all walks of life in Sierra Leone where the virus has killed over a hundred people. "I sell bitter kola. It cures Ebola. You know the disease kills. Prevention is better than cure. If you buy my bitter kola you wont even contract the virus. I am not happy about the disease because it is a killer but I am pleased that the sales of my bitter kola has gone up. The price has also shot up from le 200 to le 500. I love doing retail business because I meet a lot of people and I laugh a lot. We the retailers did not put the price up. Its came from the wholesalers. I pray that God free our region from this disease even though it has boost sales of my bitter kola. Hehehe. Thank you.  Kikiki"

Sierra Leone: Water crisis is a big issue for many residents

"Please don't bother me with many questions. I am carrying water home for the family. We have been without water for days now even though this is the rainy season. Thank you"