MONROVIA – The People’s Republic of China, through its China Aid, has completed a project aimed at constructing hand-pumps for schools in Liberia.
It is in continuation of China’s efforts to address safe drinking water problems in Liberia, especially in schools.
Constructed by the China Geo-Engineering Corporation, the hand pumps were recently dedicated and handed over to the Liberian government.
The Chinese Government’s free assistance to construct 50 for schools in Liberia was in accordance with the exchange of notes between the two countries on July 1, 2016.
The exchange of note was followed by the contract signing on May 10, 2017. The project started on December 10, 2017 and completed on September 9, 2018.
The project included eight borehole wells in Montserado County, 13 in Bong County, 11 in Grand Gedeh County and 18 in Maryland County, among others.
Having been satisfied with full implementation of the project, as stipulated in the contract agreement, the two countries signed the handover and acceptance certificate on November 30, 2018.
How safe is the water
According to China Geo-Engineering Corporation, the ground water is all taken in the form of well tubes. The depth of the well tube is 80m; and water is pumped in the form of a hand pump.
The construction company further explains that the water quality is in line with relevant standards in Liberia as well as the World Health Organization (WHO).
Despite challenges including deplorable roads and others, the company says its team was able to meet up with the 9-month duration of the project.
“At the end of July 2018, the project was basically completed, and it [the project] was praised by teachers and students of these schools,” the company avers.
The project highlights the level of bilateral and friendly cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and Liberia.