Paynesville – The People of SD Cooper Community dream of having access to safe drinking water has come alive, following the construction and dedication of a US$60,000 water project by Swiss non-governmental organization, Bowier Trust Foundation Switzerland (BTFS).
Report by Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
The dedication of a water tower and faucet pump on Sunday, June 17, 2018 in Paynesville is expected to ease the community water problem.
Representative Samuel Enders, lawmaker of District #6 in Montserrado County, said several communities in the city are facing water and sanitation problem and need quick intervention.
Representative Enders noted that the wash facility will help the community prevent borne disease and alleviate poor latrine condition.
“This community and school stand at a point and needed safe drinking water, they needed water and many kids go to use the bathroom and water is not there. I know for fact because when you go the Kendeja School, there is no bathroom, there is no water, when you to the other schools, it just one hand pump,” Enders said, lauding the NGO for the project.
The new drinking water facility, located on the Immanuel Christian Academy on the SD Cooper Road, is expected to serve the entire community.
There are also plans to construct five more hand pumps in other communities within a short period, according to BTFS.
These WASH projects, the Swiss-based NGO, says fall within its three pillars of contributions to the health, security and education sectors of Liberia and was funded by Rotary Club Switzerland.
B. Elias Shoniyin, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the project as “a great contribution to the Liberian Government’s quest to ensure better living condition for its citizens”.
Describing it as a plus to Liberia-Switzerland Corporation, Shoniyin attributed the bulk of Liberia’s health challenges to inaccessibility of safe drinking water, which he believes has greater implications on the lives of citizens.
He stated that Liberia may not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 if the issue of safe drinking water is still at large.
“On behalf of the government of Liberia, as we dedicate this WASH Platform today, we say water challenges have implications on our lives, on our education, health and livelihood as well as growth,” Minister Shoniyin said.
“Bringing water to this community, you have actually added to the quality of lives in this community. Your work is in support of the children and women of this community hunt for better livelihood.”
Minister Shoniyin is also concern about the care of the facilities for long-term use, urging community members to handle them properly.
BTFS President Felix Walz said the group is committed to fast-tracking development activities in Liberia with the backing of Rotary Club Switzerland.
“I always say, have a plan to create good use of your live and BTFS as a root family prepared all necessary steps with passion and commitment to overcome the challenges that came along with implementing the project,” Walz stated.
He bemoaned the lack of adequate access to safe drinking water, electricity and a vibrant security sector.
One community member, Rachael Darzue told FrontPage Africa that the community was relief that after many appeals their quest for safe drinking water is now over.
“This water problem has been very hard, year-in, year-out and most of the time, we have to go far places for water. Most of our wells here get dry, so dry season, our children often get sick from the water we used for drinking,” Darzu said.