The New Kru Town Association in the Americas (NEKTAA) began the implementation of its ‘water for life’ in the Borough of New Kru Town with the dedication of the first in a series of hand pumps in Lagoon.
By Danesius Marteh, [email protected]
At a dedicatory ceremony, NEKTAA President Walea Tetee Kofa-Payne said it was an honor and a privilege to begin the project in a community she grew-up.
“I am happy to be here to dedicate this hand pump, which is the start of NEKTAA’s water for life project in the Borough of New Kru Town. Funds for the construction of this pump came from our members, who used to live in New Kru Town and went to America.
“We also had donations from a few persons, who believe in us and are passionate about what we want to do for our people. I urge you to take good care of this pump,” she pleaded.
Madam Kofa-Payne underscored the importance of water in the lives of everyone.
“Water, especially safe drinking water, is so important that we can’t do without it. Industries need water to produce food, beverages, pharmaceuticals or chemicals.
“You need to be able to sell your cook bowl or wash your clothes and even take a bath. Life will be meaningless without water. So our plan is to ensure that we have water in key communities in the Borough,” she added.
Oldman Weaka Peters, a former Liberia coast guard official and football referee, was invited by Madam Kofa-Payne.
“There is a tendency in Liberia that we don’t take care of things that we don’t buy. Every time you hear ‘this is government property’, it means there is a lack of care or there will be a lack of care.
“I want this hand pump to have schedules as part of the maintenance process. The community’s chairman must ensure that there are some rules to govern the pump. I want to thank our children in America, who funded this donation,” said oldman Peters.
The project, valued at US$18,000, was launched by Deputy House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Kofa at a town hall meeting on 29 October 2022 to ensure that pumps are built when and where necessary.
Cllr. Kofa said safe drinking water is very essential, especially in an area, as densely populated as the borough.
He said he is pleased to identify with NEKTAA’s project because it is critical to the national infrastructure.
“We are impressed that members of NEKTAA organized themselves to be able to say although we are five thousand miles away, we can’t forget where we come from. That is the important aspect of who we are and where we live.
“As men and women, we can go far. We can accomplish a lot. We can do many things the world over but it is your memory and your giving back to where you have come from that truly marks who we are and establishes what is called legacy,” said Kofa.
His pledge to construct six hand pumps was fulfilled, according to Madam Kofa-Payne, who has promised another dedication as soon as possible.
“I leave you with this African proverb. If you want to walk fast, walk alone but if you want to walk far, walk together. Choose /decide this day to walk with NEKTAA and we will all go far with many projects to benefit our community,” she concluded.