LIBERIA: Slipway residents decry poor sanitary condition
…Say lack of Toilet Facilities affects their living condition – By: WASH R&E “MEDIA” Network – Residents of Slipway Community in Montserrado County have decried the poor sanitary condition of their community because of the lack of functional public toilets.
Flood, garbage and feces becoming a health threat for Slipway residents this raining season
Slipway community is situated in central Monrovia, near the Mesurado river and the historic Providence Island, and that most of the residents are low income earners or jobless.
Slipway, with a population of over 25,000 inhabitants, often suffer the effects of a poor drainage system, flooding, garbage pollution and open defecation.
In search of toilets, children take the risk
Speaking to a team of WASH Reporters, a resident Richmond Wah said their community has only two public toilets that are not working effectively to address the sanitation problem in the of community.
According to him, one of the public toilets was constructed by the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) and partners, but is not functioning since it was constructed due to the over flow water from the river into the septic tank.
Lack of safe toilets in Slipway poses health threat to children
He disclosed that the other public toilet is not also operational, something he described as unhealthy for the residents.
Mr. Wah further said due to the lack of toilets, most of the residents defecate in plastic bags in their various homes and dump it into the river.
He also reveals that when it rains, the river overflows and enters homes with garbage and feces, thus causing serious health problem for their children.
Slipway residents appeal to GoL and partners for better sanitation facilities, including safe toilets
“You can see some of the areas where I placed the blocks to stop the water from entering my home with garbage and feces”, Mr. Wah indicated.
Also, speaking on the sanitation problem in the community, another resident, Abraham Manbu called on government WASH partners to intervene to address the sanitation situation, especially during the raining season each year.
Toilets in Slipway overtaken by flood, dirt and feces
According to him, the inhabitants will be very grateful if government and partners can construct toilets that will prevent the community from using the river.
Meanwhile, the Community Chairman, Augustus Saydee said plans are underway to construct a fence by the river bank that will prevent feces and garbage from flowing into their homes from the river.
Mr. noted that during the rainy season they as residents are faced with hug challenges in addressing the sanitation condition of their community, describing it as “from bad to worst”.
