LIBERIA: WaterAid launches 5-year transboundary strategy
By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – WaterAid Transboundary Programme of Liberia and Sierra Leone has launched a five-Year Strategic Plan.
The Transboundary Strategy runs from 2016/17 – 2021.
Group photo, Staff and Partners of WaterAid following the launch of the 5-Year Transboundary Strategic Plan
The Strategy will guide WaterAid Liberia and Sierra Leone Transboundary Programme for three years to come (2016/17-2018/19), after which WaterAid shall be operating two distinct Country Programmes in the last 2 years (2019/20 – 2020/21).
Five years budget for WaterAid Liberia is estimated at E7,126,351 , while Sierra Leone is estimated at E7,418,425 in (GBP).
The 5-Year Strategic Plan which is been described by the British Charity as a road map, will address critical WASH issues in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
According to the Country Director, Patrick Cheah, the Strategic Plan will provide a direct focus of WaterAid’s intervention in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Assistant Public Works Minister, George Yarngo
Mr. Cheah indicated that the 5-Year Plan will give donors an insight to the Transboundary Programme and approaches in tackling WASH issues.
He however pointed out that the lack of funding from national governments to address WASH service delivery is a major challenge in the sector.
For his part, the Deputy Country Director, Chuchu Selma indicated that through international advocacy by his organization, water and sanitation was considered as part of the SDGS.
Mr. Selma noted that WaterAid is expanding its engagements with the aim of promoting partnership in addressing WASH issues in both countries.
Grand Bassa County Representative, Gabriel Smith
He called for more cooperation to ensuring the smooth implementation and success of the 5-Year Transboundary Strategy.
Also speaking, Grand Bassa County Representative, Gabriel Smith assured Liberians about the passage of the WASH Commission Act by the House of Senate.
Representative Smith said the House of Representatives will liaise with the Senate to ensure the passage of the WASH Commission Act.
He said, the passage of the WASH Act by the senate will ensure that the issue of fragmentation in the WASH sector is resolved.
The Grand Bassa County Representative observed that the issue of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is not given more attention in the country.
Representative Smith however maintained that the provision of safe drinking water and sanitation services is the responsibility of government.
Live Radio and TV Talk Show with the Country and Deputy Country Directors of WaterAid Liberia:Sierra Leone, Patrick Cheah and Chuchu Selma
He attributed some of the deaths to lack of safe drinking water and improved sanitation.
The Grand Bassa County Law marker pointed out that corruption coupled with weak monitoring System is affecting the WASH sector, .. something that is yet to be independently verified.
Representative Smith used the occasion to call on President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to give more attention to the WASH sector of Liberia.
Also speaking, Montserrado County Representative, William Darkel said engagements by WASH CSOs with the House of Representatives are clear indications of the House’s commitment of creating a decent WASH environment in Liberia.
Representative Darkel noted that they will do all they can from the House of Representatives to ensure the passage of the WASH Act now before the House of Senate.
WaterAid Liberia/Sierra Leone Country Director, Patrick Cheah
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Liberia, Assistant Public Works Minister for Community Services, George Yarngo commended WaterAid for the bold step in setting up a focus point for their operation in both Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Mr. Yarngo asserted that this is what the government has been working on, putting policies in place that will sure clear direction of partners working in the WASH sector of the country.
Also speaking, Oxfam Country Director praised WaterAid and staff for the Initiative.
Madam Anne’ Cathrine Barjad said as a member of the Liberia WASH Consortium, her organization share similar values.
Madam Barjad said she was very proud to see Liberians taking up the mantle of authority to run an international NGO so effectively.
The launch of WaterAid Transboundary Strategy also brought together all of WaterAid local Partners doing service delivery and advocacy.
Other local and international stakeholders also attended the program held in Monrovia. They all commanded WaterAid for the level of work and impact, and reiterated their support for the success of the Transboundary Strategy.
