Monrovia – Water, Sanitation and Hygiene are posing challenges for Liberians, especially those living along industrial sites and the hinterland.
Report by: Willie N. Tokpah – [email protected]
The situation is said to be leading to death of many Liberians as a result of water borne diseases.
This situation has drawn the attention of the national chairman of the Liberia NGOs Network, George B. Karyah who emphasized the need for government to take proactive measures in implementing the Wash Compact that was signed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Speaking at a citizen’s engagement on sectors investment policy, analysis and budget forum, Mr. Karyah said the implementation of the WASH compact will lead to establishment of a water commission in addressing critical water needs for Liberians.
The forum was organized by the Liberia NGOs Network in collaboration with WaterAid-Liberia under the Theme, ‘Keep your promise on water and sanitation’.
According to the Liberian Government WASH compact policy, from 2012 to 2017, US$400 Million would be raised to address water crisis in all parts of the country without discrimination, but there are some communities yet to benefit from safe drinking water, especially in Monrovia and its environs.
Areas like WestPoint, Clara Town and Doe Community are reportedly lacking pipe borne water while water supply in Monrovia has a huge shortage.
He explained that the Liberian water sector is fragmented instead of being institutionalized, which is creating difficulties for safe water control as a result of many institutions being associated with its operation.
“I think water issue is not strange. When it comes to water and sanitation in Liberia, there should be one institution handling the water sector so that service delivery for our people will be adequate enough,” Karyah asserted.
According to him, government must now be in the position to prioritize water sanitation and hygiene activities, calling for allocation to be made in the 2016/2017 national budget that will address water safety in Liberia.
He said it will be a disservice to Liberia if there is no allocation made in the budget to address water crisis in the country.
“We are strongly calling on the national legislature, to reduce the budget of other agencies in providing funding for water and sanitation in Liberia.”
The Liberia NGO Network Chair is at the same time demanding for water as one of the basic social services of government to be provided, threatening to drag the state to lawsuit in an attempt not to do so.
Moreover, Mr. Karyah raised serious concern over pollution being created by Firestone Rubber Plantation Company, which he said is affecting safe drinking water in its area of operation.
“Firestone has always been doing that and not they are also involved with air pollution and we are doing some research on their pollution and will get to the public upon completion,” he stressed, calling the Environmental Protection Agency to probe into the matter speedily.
At the same time, Bobby Allison, speaking on behalf of the House Committee Chair on Defense and Security, Dr. Bhofal Chambers, called on citizens to exert pressure on the Legislature for allocation to be made for water and sanitation.