Gold Mining Camp Residents ‘Lack Water’

By Samuel Flomo, Jr.

Residents of the Crab Hole Gold Mining Camp in Bopolu District, Gbarpolu County, have claimed that government has “shamefully abandoned them.”

As such, they reported being forced to survive without access to safe drinking water despite years of contributing to state revenue through mining-related taxes and fees.

The desperate residents, living under harsh conditions on Kpo Mountain near Gbarquoista said, the lack of safe drinking water couple with basic infrastructure, have exposed them to health risks, turning daily life into a struggle for survival.

The Camp Master, Junior Koisee, who spoke to reporters over the weekend, painted a grim picture of neglect, accusing authorities of ignoring the suffering of the locals simply, “because we live in a remote mining area.”

“Since this camp was established, there has never been safe drinking water here. All the water around us is dirty and dangerous,” Koisee said.

He added: “Sometimes our people walked four to five hours just to find water, and even that water is not safe.”

Koisee said, residents occasionally try to buy mineral water from Bopolu City, but the cost makes it impossible to rely on it daily.

“We are poor people. We cannot afford to buy mineral water every day just to stay alive.”

The Crab Hole Gold Mining Camp, is home to an estimated 250 people, including women and children, who are most vulnerable to waterborne diseases.

Residents say the continued lack of clean water is not just an inconvenience, but a silent

public health crisis waiting to explode.

“The government knows we are here. They know we pay taxes, but they pretend we do not exist. All we are asking for is a simple hand pump,” Koisee said. 

A resident identified as Marie described the situation as unbearable.

Despite hosting mining activities that contribute to national income, the Crab Hole Camp remains cut off from basic government services, including safe water, healthcare, and proper sanitation; an irony, residents say, exposes deep inequality and misplaced national priorities.

They have specifically called on government, and the Gbarpolu County Legislative Caucus, to immediately install a hand pump to prevent further suffering and potential loss of life.