LIBERIA: U.S BASED NGO Supports Liberia WASH Sector
…As Higher Ground Int’l Visits WASH R&E – The water, sanitation and hygiene sector of Liberia has received another boost with a U.S based International Non-Governmental Organization buttressing the efforts of government, Civil Society, stake holders and developmental partners aimed at creating an enabling environment for the WASH sector in Liberia.
Higher Ground Int’l CEO, Madam Henrietta White-Holder along with her Chief Representative in Liberia, Rev. Augustus B. Menyongai
Higher Ground International says its involvement into the WASH sector is part of efforts to ensuring access to safe water and better sanitation services.
The Organization’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Madam Henrietta White-Holder has disclosed the constructed of three hand pumps as a start to help address the crisis of water faced by over fifteen thousand residents of the settlement of Arthington in rural Montserrado County.
The Higher Ground Int’l Team and Executives of the WASH R&E Network-Liberia
Arthington is said to be among communities in-need of safe drinking water, improved sanitation and hygiene.
According to her, the construction of the hand pumps followed an assessment visit by her Organization regarding the water and sanitation needs of the people.
Group photo in front of WASH R&E Office in Monrovia
She also disclosed that the hand pump project which is valued eight thousand five hundred United States dollars when completed will provide safe drinking water for several residents of the settlement and its surroundings.
A dispatch from the WASH Reporters & Network of Liberia, Madam White-Holder further said her Organization is also constructing of latrine facilities in the Arthington aimed at creating an improved sanitary condition for residents.
Commenting on the water, sanitation and hygiene sector of Liberia, Madame White-Holder said challenges in the sector are enormous, thereby creating a need for concerted efforts to improve the sector.
She further asserted that equipment and transportation are major challenges facing the sector, stressing the need for Government to put in place the necessary measures to address these issues.
Madam White-Holder has meanwhile stressed the need for government to provide drilling machines to WASH implementing Organizations to ensure increased provision of safe drinking water.
According to her, drilling machines will help ensure smooth WASH service delivery coupled with training for the adequate maintenance of hand pumps across the Country.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Higher Ground International spoke Wednesday, May 9, 2012 when she paid a courtesy call on the WASH R&E Network of Liberia.
Speaking during the interactive visit at the WASH Media Group Headquarters on Carey Street on Crown Hill in Monrovia, Madam White-Holder said it was important for her to come to the Network’s Office to explain about the work her Institution is embarking upon in Liberia.
Madam White-Holder who was escorted by her Chief Representative in Liberia, Rev. Augustus B. Menyongai, said Higher Ground is a non-profitable Organization dedicated to the empowerment and sustainability of young people who have gone through the havoc of war in Liberia.
According to her, Higher Ground International is also involved in the WASH sector of Liberia with the implementation of several projects including the construction of hand pumps and latrine to ensure the provision of safe drinking water and improved sanitation facilities.
She named the construction of three hand pumps in Arthington, Montserrado County and surrounding towns and villages, waiting to be dedicated on this Saturday.
The Higher Ground CEO further lamented that her Institution had also gone to the Central Offices of the WASH R&E Network of Liberia to discuss a possible Partnership between Higher Ground International and WASH R&E Network of Liberia.
According to her, the essence of the partnership is for the WASH Media Network to help inform and explain the goals, objectives and activities of her Institution to the people of Liberia.
Receiving the Higher Ground CEO her Representative, the Chairman of the WASH R&E Network of Liberia, Mr. Augustine N. Myers expressed the Network’s profound gratitude and appreciation for the visit, and promised that WASH Journalism remains a priority in Liberia.
Mr. Myers welcomed the Partnership and said it will serve the interest of both Organizations.
Meanwhile, both R&E Network-Liberia and Higher Ground International have agreed to a sustained Partnership and have equally signed a Memorandum of Understanding pledging their commitment to the partnership.
