LIBERIA: Solid Waste Behavior Change Communication Workshop ends
…As Panelists call for more Funding for Awareness – By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – A One Day Solid Waste Behavior Change Communication Workshop has ended in Monrovia. The Workshop organized by the WASH R&E “Media” Network in partnership with WaterAid Liberia was intended for actors in the waste and sanitation sector to design a common message of awareness and communication to address the numerous issues confronting solid waste and sanitation issues in Greater Monrovia.
Participants brainstorming on Solid Waste Behavior Change Communication issues
Welcoming participants at the start of the Workshop, WaterAid Liberia Sanitation Coordinator, Grace Richardson reminded participants that the workshop should be used as a platform in designing messages to address solid waste and sanitation.
She urged the participants to use their professional expertise in putting in place mechanism that could help in addressing issues affecting solid waste and sanitation management in Monrovia and environs.
During the Workshop, two presentations were made by Charles Coffey, President of the Press Union of Liberia and the Sanitation Manager of NC Sanitors, Eugene Nwosu.
Discussions at Solid Waste Behavior Change Communication Workshop
Press Union of Liberia President presenting on Communication Strategies for Behavior Change with a Focus on Solid Waste, stressed the need for messages to be tested before allowing it to get to the public.
According to Mr. Coffey, not all messages designed for a certain community can be used in other communities, taking into consideration the environment and community residents.
He stressed the need for messages to be formulated and reflect the reality that is existing in the community.
Mr. Coffey also proposed that some of the messages should be designed in the various vernaculars to reach a wider audience.
He said community residents play a pivotal role in designing messages of behavior change as well.
For his part, the Sanitation Manager of NC Sanitors, Eugene Nwosu emphasized the need for messages to be reinforced to enhance the process of solid waste management.
Group photo at the close of the Solid Waste Behavior Change Communication Workshop
The NC Sanitors Sanitation Manager said in a bid to buttress efforts of government in making the city clean, they have been involved in several initiatives intended to have Monrovia and environs clean.
Mr. Nwosu indicated that funding to all of the issues of solid waste management and sanitation is key to implementing robust solid Waste and Sanitation Programs.
Also speaking,panelists and participants called for more funding to promote awareness on solid waste and sanitation issues in Liberia.
The panelists at the workshop called for more training and support for solid waste and sanitation management.
Serving as one of the panelists, Doris Weah-Farhgon of the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) said funding is one of the major factors affecting the timely removal of solid waste in the city.
Mrs. Farghon also emphasized the importance of awareness in the implementation of solid waste and sanitation programs.
She said if awareness is lacking and the messages are not the same it becomes difficult to bring about behavior change.
Also serving as one of the panelists, Paynesville City Corporation (PCC) Sanitation Manager, Felecia Mensah emphasized the need for training to be provided for both community members and actors in the field of solid waste and sanitation.
Mrs. Mensah indicated that when proper training is provided, both community residents and solid waste workers will have an insight to the issues surrounding the sector.
For his part, the Head of Green Gold, MorrisDougbarecommended that recycling is one of the best options in reducing and maintaining waste in Liberia.
Mr.Dougbasaid that most of the waste in Liberia can be use for the production of energy.
He encouraged government and partners to put in place measures that could promote recycling in the country.
Panelists at the Workshop called for more training and support for solid waste and sanitation management
Also speaking, the Communication Consultant at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Danise Dennis-Lakpor stressed professionalism and funding as the key elements to achieving solid waste and sanitation communication behavior change.
Mrs. Lakpor called on WaterAid and other donor partners to provide funding for the creation of professional and special messages and awareness on solid waste and sanitation communication behavior change.
At the close of the Workshop, a group named and styled Waste and Sanitation Behavior Change Network (WASBCN) was established.
Members of this Network are expected to share knowledge and information on waste and sanitation issues in Liberia.
The day long Workshop brought together 20 community leaders, waste and sanitation stakeholders and communication specialists from across Monrovia and Paynesville.
