LIBERIA: WaterAid, WASH Commission Turnover Handwashing Stations at Airport
By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – As part of efforts leading to the re-opening of the Roberts International Airport (RIA), the British Charity, WaterAid Liberia and the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Commission have turned over ten hand-washing stations to the management of the Airport.
Passengers and staff at the RIA are already using the hand-washing stations
The construction of the hand-washing facilities is part of health protocols put in place by the government of Liberia to combat the corona virus in the country.
The construction was carried out by WaterAid Liberia after a joint assessment by WaterAid and the National WASH Commission, lead agency for the WASH and Waste Management Pillar of the COVID-19 Incident Management System (IMS).
WaterAid Liberia worked with its local partner, Community Development Services (CODES) to design, fabricate and install the locally-made hand-washing stations at the Airport.
The ten hand-washing stations are strategically placed at the Airport to afford passengers and staff the opportunity to carryout hand-washing practices.
Passengers and staff at the RIA are already using the hand-washing stations
Speaking during the dedicatory ceremony, the Country Director of WaterAid Liberia, Chuchu Selma said his organization remains supportive of government, not only in the fight against COVID-19, but WASH issues as a whole.
Selma described water and sanitation as not only critical to the fight of the corona virus, but the survival of mankind.
RIA Airport Manager, Jerrod Mends-Cole
“I am hoping that the collaboration between the government of Liberia and WaterAid can move a step further”, Selma added.
The WaterAid Country Director indicated that his organization is anticipating working with government to ensure that similar facilities are constructed in schools to create a safe environment for students when they resume classes.
RIA Airport Manager, Jerrod Mends-Cole
Also speaking, the Chairman of the WASH Commission, Bobby Whitefield said the initiative came about due to the quest of the President of Liberia, George Weah to re-open the Roberts International Airport.
Whitefield noted that the WASH Commission saw the need to carry out the necessary assessment with the help of WaterAid Liberia for the construction of WASH facilities at the Airport.
He disclosed that the assessment includes the erection of the hand-washing stations, and training on infection control among staff at the Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The WASH Commission Boss commended WaterAid for always supportive of WASH initiatives and called on other development partners to emulate the good example of WaterAid Liberia.
He also commended the management of the Roberts International Airport for the cooperation during the training on infection control prevention.
WaterAid Liberia Country Director, Chuchu Selma
Speaking on behalf of the RIA, the Airport Manager, Jerrod Mends-Cole commanded WaterAid and the WASH Commission for the hand-washing facilities, describing them as timely and important in the prevention of the corona virus.
He said the RIA Management is pleased with the hand-washing stations and assured that they will be used on a daily basis in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Passengers and staff at the RIA have started maximizing the use of the hand-washing stations as the first line of defense against the spread of COVID-19.
