LIBERIA: Living Water Int’l to end operation in Margibi
..Unveils Exit Plan,Puts WASH Intervention @ 4 Million dollars – By: WASH R&E “Media” Network –After five years of successful humanitarian services in Margibi County, Living Water International is expected to shortly end operations and is moving to other communities outside the county for similar mission.
Group Photo of WASH Stakeholders & LWI Staff
Living Water International, a Christian Faith-based charityexists to demonstrate the love of God by helping communities acquire desperately needed clean water, and to experience “living water”-the gospel of Jesus Christ-which alone satisfies the deepest thirst.
Living Water International has made significant contributions in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector of Margibi County, Liberia.
The Faith-based charity puts the value of its WASH intervention in Margibi county at four Million United States Dollars.
Living Water International Country Director, Austin Nyaplue
During an Exit Meeting with WASH Stakeholders, the Country Director of Living Water International, Austin Nyaplue said the intervention of the Organization took into consideration the provision of safe drinking water, training, WASH in schools and Community Led Total Sanitation.
Mr. Nyaplue disclosed that since 2013 up to now, his organization has constructed 236 new boreholes, rehabilitated 220 wells and trained 196 Community WASH Committee Members.
He further revealed that his organization’s Community-Led Total Sanitation initiative has impacted 37 Communities declaring them Open Defecation Free, thereby increasing the number of latrines to 93.4 percent in the 37 communities.
Mr. Nyaplue also affirmed that Living Water International has provided WASH facilities in 25 schools in Margibi County.
Margibi County Development Superintendent, John Suahkollie
As part of the WASH in school program, he named 71 rehabilitated latrines 66 cubicles pit latrines, 24 cubicles pour flush and 25 hand washing stations constructed.
On the aspect of sanitation and hygiene, the charity said 90.4% knowledge has increased in areas where their WASH projects have been implemented.
Under its Church Mobilization and Gospel Proclamation, Living Water International said 200 churches have benefited from its oral, discipleship, Sunday school, and integral mission program.
Providing an overview of the rollout plan, Living Water International Country Director said as part of the plan, communities need to take ownership and called on Community WASH Committee Members to be more dedicated to ensure the facilities are sustained.
The rollout plan according to Mr. Nyaplue also stresses the need for local pump mechanics and Community WASH Committee to initiate programs to sustain the projects.
The plan further emphasizes the need for government to strengthen the enforcement of rules, regulations, and constant monitoring supervision.
The rollout plan takes into consideration key concepts which include accountability mechanism, determinants of sustainability amongst others.
The charity is expected by the end of June this year to transfer activities to communities and their leaders, community-based organizations and the church.
WASH Stake Holders at the Exit Meeting
For their part, WASH Stakeholders and the County Development Superintendent, John Suahkollie thanked Living Water International for its WASH intervention in the County, describing it as successful.
They called on the charity to strengthen the capacity of community residents before departing the county.
They also assured Living Water International that all will be done by them as inhabitants and stakeholders to ensure that facilities constructed by the charity will be maintained.
Meanwhile, the charity has disclosed that baseline studies are ongoing in Gbelay-Geh District in Nimba County for the organization’s WASH program.
The charity revealed that their intervention in Nimba which will be their new area of operation targets about 61 thousand persons.
Living Water International is considered a champion in sustained Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), evidenced by the fact that all Open Defecation Free (ODF) communities did not experience Ebola outbreak. (http://www.shout-africa.com/news/liberia-odf-communities-in-margibi-didnt-experience-ebola-outbreak/) .
