Liberia: WASH Sector High-Level Consultative Forum held in Monrovia
By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – A One-Day Interactive High-Level Stakeholders Consultative Forum of the WASH Sector of Liberia has ended in the Nation’s capital, Monrovia.
The High-Level WASH Forum held under the theme: “Improving Water Services Delivery in Monrovia”, was aimed at addressing challenges faced in the constant disruption of pipe borne water to Monrovia and its environs.
The Forum was attended by officials of government, including the National WASH Commission, WASH Legislative Caucus, local and international organizations, WASH Civil Society Organizations and the Media.
Serving as Keynote Speaker at the WASH High-Level Forum, Finance & Development Planning Minister, Samuel Tweah called on WASH Commission and the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation to design strategies in addressing the water and sanitation crisis in Liberia.
He encouraged the two public entities to find solutions to their problems and not to complain about the challenges.
According to him, the Liberian government is committed to supporting sustainable strategies in the interest of the WASH sector and the Liberian people.
Minister Tweah welcomed the WASH Sector High-Level Stakeholders Consultative Forum, describing it as a medium that will provide solutions to the LWSC constant disruption of pipe borne water to Monrovia.
For his part, National WASH Commission CEO and Chairman, Bobby Whitfield named capacity issue as a serious challenge facing the Commission.
Presenting on the Commission’s Proposal for accelerating WASH Sector sustainable regulations and agree priorities for action, Chairman Whitfield called for more support to the Commission to make it more effective.
Also making presentation was the Managing Director of the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation, Duanah Kamara who stressed on financial and material support as crucial to the efficiency of the Corporation.
Mr. Kamara presented on LWSC Short, Medium and Long Terms Strategies to address the consistent damaging of the 16” & 36” inch pipelines and water shortage in Monrovia and agree priorities for action.
Also speaking at the forum, WaterAid Liberia Country Director, Chuchu Selma asserted that the sector should invest more money into service delivery and cut down expenses on salary.
He at the same time stressed the need for balance in service delivery and regulations in the sector.
Mr. Selma noted that as the WASH Commission is contemplating on enforcing regulations, the Commission should be thinking about providing support to ensure WASH services are enhanced.
Speaking on behalf of WASH Society Organizations in Liberia, the Chairman of the Liberia CSOs WASH Network, Augustine N. Myers welcomed the holding of the WASH High-Level Forum and expressed hope it will address challenges facing the sector.
He challenged officials of the WASH Commission to remain focused and work in the interest of the WASH sector and the Liberian people.
Mr. Myers frowned on the Commission for exclusion of CSOs in major activities, and encouraged the Commission to prioritize teamwork and unity amongst WASH sector players in Liberia.
For his part, Montserrado County Representative, Thomas Fallah described the issue of water, sanitation and hygiene as appalling, especially in and around Monrovia.
Representative Fallah named access to safe drinking water and the issue of open defecation as serious challenges facing the WASH sector in particular and the nation in general.
Making remarks on behalf of the WASH Legislative Caucus, the Chairman, Senator Jonathan Kaipay said the Caucus remains committed to ensuring WASH sector receives the necessary Budgetary support.
Senator Kaipay urged the WASH Commission and LWSC to give a clear picture of their challenges and the way forward.
Many of the development partners at the Forum pledged their support to address challenges faced by the WASH Commission.
