LIBERIA: USAID, CHF Turnover Modern Latrine in Logan Town
As part of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-Global Communities (formerly CHF International) Improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Program in Liberia, a modern public latrine facility has been officially turned over to residents of Blamo Town Community, Logan Town on the Bushrod Island.
Group photo at the close of the latrine dedicatory program
Front view of the modern public latrine constructed by CHF, USAID and Chevron at the cost of USD 25,000, for Blamo Town residents in Logan Town, Bushrod Island
Cutting of ribbon to the modern latrine by USAID Acting Mission Director, Kimberly Rosen(L), and Chevron Liberia Supply Chain Manager, Richard Weaver (R)
One of the rooms of the modern public toilet facility in Blamo Town
CHF Int’l President & CEO, David Weiss making remarks during the official indoor program held at the Logan Town Wesleyan Church
The Project valued at twenty five thousand United States Dollars, was sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID in partnership with Chevron –Liberia with the aim of addressing the issue of sanitation in the community.
Giving an overview of the project, the Chief of Party of CHF International IWASH Project, Pieter Devries, said the construction of the toilet and bathing facility in the community is part of a USAID five-year Improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene program in Liberia.
Mr. Devries noted that the goal of the Project is to improve access to safe water and sanitation and also to assist the Government of Liberia in developing its capacity in the area of water, sanitation and hygiene.
He disclosed that most of CHF International IWASH projects are located in rural Liberia, specifically Nimba, Bong and Lofa counties, “adding with additional funding from Chevron – Liberia, the IWASH program is constructing several urban bathing and toilet facilities in Greater Monrovia”.
Also making remarks at the program, the President and Chief Executive Officer of CHF International, David Weiss described the construction of the facility in Blamo town Community as a stepping stone for the area.
According to Mr. Weiss, when partnership is prioritized by the residents, the maintenance of the facility will not be difficult.
Mr. Weiss used the occasion to remind beneficiaries that clean latrine promotes good health and a clean community.
For his part, the Supply Chain Manager of Chevron –Liberia, Richard Weaver, noted that the completion of the project is a giant step under the USAID IWASH Project in the country.
Mr. Weaver further said Latrine facility eliminates the risk of citizens contracting cholera and other water borne related diseases.
He revealed that his entity (Chevron) has fifty five different projects, ranging from enterprise development, health and education across the country with the aim of contributing to Social and economic development in Liberia.
Chevron Liberia investment in the country for social and economic development through its Economic Development initiative is $10.5 million over a 5-year period. To date, Chevron Liberian has reportedly committed $6.5 million of this amount for implementation of projects that cover the areas of education, health and enterprise development. As part of its strategy, Chevron Liberia requires partner organizations like CHF to make matching contributions (1:1) in kind or financially to the project cost. With this matching strategy the impact of Chevron funded projects are up to $13 million.
Also speaking Madam Ruth Sonnii, owner of the land where the facility is constructed, made it clear that the land was provided to the community as a goodwill gesture with no attachment.
Madam Sonnii said, the clarification was necessary to dispel rumors that she has received huge funding to make the land available for the construction of the latrine facility.
The facility according to CHF International, will be operated as a business to ensure sustainability and maintenance.
The necessary modalities have been worked out with the community and Compost Liberia, a local firm to established partnership for the maintenance and sustainability of the facility.
The Logan Town modern public Toilet is the second facility built with funding from USAID and Chevron-Liberia. The first one is located in the township of New Georgia, located at the New Georgia Market Site.
The turning over ceremony was graced by scores of dignitaries including government officials from Montserrado county, Public Works and Health Ministries, and prominent residents of Logan Town among others. – By: WASH R&E Network
