LIBERIA: Call for WASH Commission Establishment Intensifies
…citizens across Liberia present Petition to Law Makers…give 100-day ultimatum –By: WASH R&E “Media” Media Network – Liberians have petitioned members of the National Legislature to pass into law a Commission that will set policies and guidelines governing the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector of the country.
WaterAid Team Leader for Liberia: Sierra Leone, Chuchu Selma
The petitioned by citizens was recently presented at a WASH Governance Forum organized by United Youth for Peace, Education, Transparency & Development in Liberia(UYPETDL) with support from the British Charity, WaterAid.
The citizens informed their Lawmarkers that with the establishment of the Commission the issue of fragmentation will be resolved.
Representative Gayah Karmoe of Bomi Receiving Petition from citizens
The Commission when established according to the petitioners, will bring about a structure of governance in the WASH sector of the country.
The petitioners further called for a separate budget line in the national budget that will specifically focus on water, sanitation and hygiene.
Receiving the petition on behalf of his colleagues, Bomi County Representative, Gayah Karmoe assured the petitioners that the petition will be transferred to the appropriate Committee for redress.
Jackie Okao, Oxfam Communication and Advocacy Manager
Representative Karmoe however encouraged the citizens to always engage law makers on the issue of WASH in the country.
He urged them to get involved in persistent awareness about critical issues in the WASH sector of the country.
The Bomi County Lawmarker said when this is done, it would keep the Legislators informed properly about the reality in the WASH sector of the country
Providing an overview of the WASH Governance Forum, UYPETDL’s National Executive Director, Timothy Kpeh said the establishment of a Commission is critical to the advancement of the WASH sector.
Mr. Kpeh stressed that the putting in place of a governance structure in the WASH sector will bring to an end the issue of fragmentation.
Cross section of citizens attending the program
He however urged citizens to ensure that WASH facilities provided by the government of Liberia and partners must be protected by them.
Also speaking at the Forum, the Team Leader of WaterAid, Chuchu Selma commended the citizens for presenting the petition to Legislators
Mr. Selma assured the citizens that his organization will support efforts by the civil society to put in place a structure that will properly administer the affairs of the sector.
For his part, Assistant Public Works Minister for Community Services, George Yarngo described WASH governance as a gigantic issue.
Assistant Public Works Minister, George Yarngo
Mr. Yarngo said it is an issue that involved several actors in the country ranging from citizens to policy makers.
According to Assistant Minister Yarngo, in bid to govern the sector a Board was established to provide some guidance to the sector.
The Assistant Public Works Minister asserted that putting in place a governance structure will bring about improvement.
Making remarks, the Communication and Advocacy Manager of Oxfam, Jackie Okao commended the civil Society group for hosting the petitioning ceremony.
Madam Okao urged the citizens to continue to seek means through which improvement can be made in the WASH sector.
She said Oxfam remains committed to efforts aimed at providing improved WASH services.
