Liberia: Living Water Int’l dedicates Several WASH facilities in Montserrado
…Schools and Communities Benefit – By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – Living Water International remains proactive in efforts to ensure access to improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities for Liberians and foreign residents.
Representative Fahnbulleh, Assistant Minister Yarngo, Living Water Head Austin Nyaplue and other staff at the Duport Road Market latrine facility
Living Water Int’l-Liberia is working assiduously, bringing relief to hundreds of communities and institutions in-need of better or adequate WASH services.
The Christian Charity has made a generous contribution to District #4 in Paynesville, Montserrado County by constructing several modern WASH facilities.
The facilities have been turned over to the residents amidst jubilations.
Communities and institutions benefiting from the project include Duport Road, Rehab Drive, Morris’ Farm receiving hand pumps, while Nathan E. Gibson Memorial School, Charles F. Caine Public School and Whein Town Public School are amongst the 12 schools which are part of the sanitation package.
The project named and styled “Action for Clean Water and Improved Hygiene and Sanitation” targeted over 39 thousand residents providing them with improved sanitation facilities and safe drinking water.
Living Water Int’l-Liberia Country Director, Austin Nyaplue cutting the ribbon to one of the hand pumps, while Representative Fahnbulleh and others look on
As part of the project, some community residents were trained as pump technicians and care takers in sustaining the facilities for a protracted period.
Under the project, health clubs were also created in schools for students to carry out Hygiene Education and Awareness in their respective schools and communities.
Speaking at the dedicatory program of the facilities, Montserrado County District #4 Representative, Henry Fahnbulleh thanked Living Water International and Chevron for initiating such a program in his District.
Representative Fahnbulleh described the provision of the facilities as an opportunity and a blessing from God in solving some of the critical WASH issues faced by the District and people.
He urged the residents to ensure that the facilities are sustained through collaborative efforts as community dwellers.
Assistant Public Works Minister for Community Services, George Yarngo making remarks before cutting the ribbon to one of the WASH facilities
The Electoral District 4 Lawmaker assured the residents of his commitment in making sure that safe water and sanitation facilities are provided them.
Also speaking, the Country Director of Living Water International-Liberia, Austin Nyaplue thanked the communities for the level of cooperation accorded the organization during the construction of the facilities.
He said the support from residents made the construction work smooth and effective.
Mr. Nyaplue revealed that each of the toilets costs over eight thousand United States dollars and Chevron Liberia provided 12% of the project funding, while the rest of the amount was provided by Living Water International.
The Living Water Int’l-Liberia Country Director called on residents to take ownership of the latrines by maintaining the toilets in their respective communities.
Students and community residents attending the dedicatory ceremony
Mr. Nyaplue said his organization knows the serious challenges the lack of safe water poses to residents and pledged his entity’s commitment in working with the authorities to improve the lives of the people through improved WASH activities.
For his part, Assistant Public Works Minister for Community Services, George Yarngo described the provision of the facilities by Living Water International as an important achievement in the WASH sector of the country.
He said it shows that Living Water International remains committed and practical in buttressing government’s efforts in making sure that safe water and sanitation facilities are provided.
The Public Works Minister urged residents to ensure that the facilities are protected by them for long term sustainability.
Side view of one of the toilets in the Duport Road Community, District #4
Mr. Yarngo reminded residents that if facilities provided by donors are not properly managed, donors will get weary in supporting Liberians when it comes to providing WASH services.
He also reminded them that safe waterpoint serves as a health post in preventing several diseases.
The dedicatory program of several WASH dacilities by Living Water Int’l-Liberia was also attended by community residents and students who were seen jubilating, commanding the Christain charity for the facilities and challanged the government and other organizations to do likewise.
