LIBERIA: Living Water Int’l Certificates 3 Rural Communities on ODF
By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – Living Water International Liberia has certificated three communities in Margibi County for their efforts to reach Open Defecation Free status.
Country Director of Living Water Int’l, Ambaye Zekewos (R) presenting a radio to one of the outstanding natural and community leaders (L)
Interesting! These two kids, (L-R) Ambulay Dukulay and Momlu Dukuly constructed their own latrine (in the back) as part of efforts to make their community ODF – This was reported during of sanitation/hygiene facilities
Leaders of the three ODF communities displaying their Certificates
Some of the participants during the program
Sanitation materials presented to the 3 new ODF communities
The three communities include Ambulah, Gaylaylah and Joe Vahn Towns in Gibi and Kakata Districts respectively. Five communities were triggered, three became ODF.
The certificates of Declaration awarded the three communities were signed by the Ministries of Health & Social Welfare, Public Works and the Living Water International-Liberia.
The new Open Defecation Free (ODF) communities are part of efforts to actualize the process of Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) which sees improved sanitation as the path to development.
The Country Director of Living Water International, Ambaye Zekewos speaking Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at programs marking the official celebration of the three ODF communities held in Ambulah Town described the event as special.
He also described the event as a process of change which the three communities have gone through, and that same should be applied to other communities across the country.
Mr. Zekewos stressed the need for more ODF communities across Liberia, as Margibi County was just the beginning for CLTS activities by his Organization in Liberia.
According to him, he was proud of the three communities for reaching ODF status, but challenged them to remain hard working and maintain their status as Open Defecation Free communities.
He commanded the communities, including the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, Public Works Ministry, Margibi County authority, Education sector and the National Technical Coordination Unit, among others for their efforts to ensure the success of the Community Led Total Sanitation.
The program was also attended by WASH sector actors and others. In brief remarks, CLTS Focus Person at the Health Ministry, Gayflor Jallah said the process of Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) came to Liberia in 2009, and that eleven counties have been reached with 40O communities triggered.
According to him, 179 communities have reached ODF status, amounting to 181 with the added 3 new ODF communities.
Also in brief remarks, the Director of Community Services at the Public Works Ministry, Andrew S. Boikpah extolled Living Water International and the communities for the successful ODF status, and encouraged other partners and communities to follow the good example.
The County authority and Representatives of the three ODF communities praised Living Water International Liberia for helping communities and their residents take ownership of improved sanitation.
They however appealed to the Organization to extend its services to other communities, to improve the health conditions of the people through Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS).
The occasion commenced with the touring of sanitation/hygiene facilities of one of the new ODF communities, Ambulah Town where the program took place.
The sanitation/hygiene facilities and condition/environment of the town were so unique and pleasing to the onlookers.
The program ended with the recognition of outstanding natural community leaders who were presented FM radio sets, and sanitation materials to the three ODF communities, respectively.
