LIBERIA: WaterAid’s WASH project impacts Grand Kru County
By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – In a bid to support the Government of Liberia WASH initiative, the British charity, WaterAid Liberia and Sierra Leone has engaged in several WASH projects in the country with the aim of restoring the dignity of Liberians and foreign residents.
A toilet constructed through CLTS in Yeatiken, Grand Kru County
The charity in concert with one of its local partners, Community Development Services (CODES) has provided WASH services in several communities in Grand Kru County.
Grand Kru County, like other counties in the south east of Liberia is in dire need of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services.
As part of its activities, the charity through its partner has targeted 15 communities for WASH intervention.
Ten of the communities were triggered for Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), while 5 of the 15 communities were earmarked for hygiene promotion.
Close line in a CLTS Community in Yeatiken, Grand Kru County
Per the Executive Director of Community Development Services (CODES), Tamba Bundor, through the CLTS initiative communities appreciated the idea by constructing their own toilets, dish rocks, clothes line and keeping their environment clean.
Mr. Bundor said before the intervention of WaterAid through CODES, several of the communities were involved in open defecation and drinking from surrounding creeks.
In conversation with WASH Reporters, Mr. Bundor said through the knowledge handed by CLTS initiative, the communities have promised not to get involved in open defecation, neither keeping their respective communities filthy.
CODES CEO holding WASH Meeting with residents of Yeatiken, Grand Kru
The WASH specialist revealed, that since the intervention of WaterAid Liberia/ Sierra Leone they are no more experiencing water borne diseases like, dysentery and running stomach.
Under the project, 4 wells were rehabilitated while 3 new wells were constructed by the Community Development Services.
The CEO of CODES told WASH Media that a cash box system was introduced with the aim of keeping funds to maintain the projects.
The project took into consideration the training of community hand pumps mechanic who will eventually train others in maintaining the facilities.
Hand Pump in Gedebo Community, Grand Kru County
About two Districts in Grand Kru County were scouted for the implementation of the project.
Mr. Bundor however, commended citizens for the level of corporation accorded his team in the county.
Similar project is ongoing in River Gee county with 15 communities been engaged by CODES with 10 been triggered for Community Led Total Sanitation, while 5 communities for hygiene promotion.
Through CLTS, the beneficiaries of the two south eastern counties have constructed fence around the hand pumps to protect the facilities.
Palm Tree Town in Grand Kru County benefits new hand pump
Mr. Bundor said he was impressed to see beneficiaries of the project in River Gee building their own toilets and schools in their respective communities.
He disclosed that since the establishment of the county, it is the first time some of communities to have access to safe drinking water and the construction of hand pumps in their respective areas.
Since 2009, WaterAid has been involved in the support of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects in poor rural communities in Liberia and of late in Sierra Leone.
The British based charity is also sponsoring Civil Society Organizations in their advocacy programs to ensure that a platform is created where WASH Issues can be discussed, addressed and implemented.
