Liberia: Visually Impaired Home Wants Access To Safe Drinking Water, Sanitation

MONROVIA – It is no secret that people living with disabilities are the most vulnerable during this health crisis that has shut down the world and change the normal ways of living. In these times when even people with full abilities are challenged while those with disabilities are the most vulnerable to the risk of being affected with COVID-19.

Currently, the Government of Liberia with limited resources is challenged with meeting the multiple demands that exits because of the change in the way of life, especially when measures are being set up to restrict movement and deny people of the many freedom that a normal society will offer.  

With this challenge, the least on the list of Government would be ensuring people with disability have what is required to make their lives better with no deliberate intent on the part of the Government as it is face the huge task of meeting the many demands as a government.

Evidence of what many people with disabilities are faced is the current situation of residents of the United Blind Association of Liberia located in the LPRC community, on the Somalia Drive in Monrovia.

According to the Mr. Augustus Toby, head of the home, getting access to safe drinking water and sanitation has been a challenge for them, especially in these health crises. “One of our worry now is that from now to September where are we going to live because this roof is leaking, go behind this building our bathroom is damaged.

“We are talking to people to help use, we are also talking to people to help us with electricity, water. We have our poly tank contracted by an NGO called Project Kits but it’s been a while since they stop helping. We have been to the Liberia Water and Sewer to help us install water through the poly tank it is disheartening to see blind students moving into communities to fetch water.”

On Saturday, four civil society organizations including; Lady Justice Center, AMPPCAN Liberia, Gerveena Skills and Building through Sister-hands Liberia went to the rescue of the homes when they provide for residents’ food and non-food items.

The intervention, according to Madam Miatta Gray, CEO Sister-Hands Liberia, will also be made in Margibi County where similar group exist. She also told journalist the donation was made in fulfillment to a fulfill commitment from Madam Hawa Menscar, a partner to the organization based in the US who visited the home a year back and made a commitment to help.

“It is difficult for them right now because even people with abilities don’t have access to go out and hustle least to talk about them so it was in this light that she remembered to fulfill her commitment to them when it is most needed.

“It is not how much but the timing it is not about taking glory but the impact it is going to make for them.”