Liberia: CSOs WASH Network Engages Legislative Caucus
In conclusion of activities marking the observance of Global Handwashing Day, the Liberia CSOs WASH Network has engaged the WASH Legislative Caucus.
The engagement discussed issues of the WASH sector relating to sustainable hand hygiene behaviour and practice, and national WASH budget increment, among others.
The engagement also looked at the role of the National WASH Commission, the issue of fragmentation, support from national government and donor partners.
WASH Net Chairman, Augustine Myers speaking during the meeting commanded WaterAid Liberia for supporting WASH CSO activities, and also thanked the Caucus for efforts in the interest of the WASH sector of Liberia.
Mr. Myers pointed out that there still exists fragmentation within the WASH sector, because some ministries and agencies of government have refused to relinquish WASH functions to be implemented by the National WASH Commission.
The WASH CSOs Chairman challenged the Legislative Caucus to review Acts establishing these Ministries and Agencies for repeal.
Mr. Myers also urged the Legislative Caucus to ensure oversight of the WASH Commission as a professional entity void of partisanship and politics, with a focus of credibility, transparency and accountability.
Also speaking, the Secretary General of the CSOs WASH Network, George Karyah indicated that the CSOs Network is playing a role that will be able to flag issues concerning WASH in the interest of the Liberian people.
Mr. Karyah encouraged the WASH Legislative Caucus to regularly engage CSOs relating to advocacy for the growth of the WASH sector.
Also speaking during the interactive engagement, Rivercess County Representative, Barwin Zarway commended WASH CSOs Network for its robust advocacy for the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene services in the country.
Representative Zarway urged WASH CSOs to come with a blueprint that will demand partners in the sector to provide services to ensure that they follow the needs of the people.
For his part, the Chairman of the WASH Legislative Caucus, Grand Bassa County Senator, Jonathan Kaipay thanked WASH CSOs for persistent advocacy over the years for the provision of safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services.
On the issue of the budget allocation, Sen. Kaipay said the Legislature will ensure WASH budgetary allocation and the issue of accountability from the Commission.
The Grand Bassa County Senator assured WASH CSOs that the National Legislature will review Acts establishing other Ministries and Agencies with WASH functions for repeal in order to eradicate fragmentation in the WASH sector once and for all.
Senator Kaipay used the interactive engagement to propose the holding of a National Retreat by CSOs with WASH actors, the Legislative Caucus, donor partners and the WASH Commission to look at critical issues affecting the sector.
The interactive engagement of WASH CSOs with the Legislative Caucus climaxes weeks of engagement on the awareness and promotion of good hand hygiene practice, as part of Global Handwashing Day activities by Liberia CSOs WASH Network.
Handwashing awareness and promotion for sustainability took place in Montserrado county in five populated communities, Swaggar Island, 72nd, Redlight, Soniwhien, and Topoe Village.
