The Role of Community Participation through Community-Led Initiatives for the Sustainability and Localization of Water Pollution Governance in Bombali District, Sierra Leone

Water pollution remains a critical public health and development challenge in Sierra Leone, driven by inadequate sanitation, agricultural runoff, weak solid waste management, and limited governmental capacity. Community participation models including WASH Committees, Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), Community-Based Monitoring (CBM), and low-cost water treatment initiatives have become essential tools for enhancing water safety and promoting sustainable water management. This study examines the mechanisms through which community participation improves water quality outcomes, using evidence from Bombali District and supplementary national data. This paper employs mixed method approaches and data was collected through questionnaire surveys, and analysis of water pollution reports, NGO databases, and government records. Results show that community participation enhances water quality through five main pathways: (1) improved governance and accountability; (2) strengthened operation and maintenance of water systems; (3) behavior change in sanitation and hygiene practices; (4) increased environmental protection of water sources; and (5) enhanced monitoring and rapid response to contamination. Results show active community participation significantly reduces fecal contamination (by ~60-70% in intervention areas), increases protected water points (from 18% to 94%), and decreases childhood diarrhea (from 31% to 11%). Local accountability, user fees, and community monitoring drive success. Barriers are poverty, flooding, and weak institutions. Policy recommendations scale community water governance.