LIBERIA: WASH Legislative Caucus Secretariat established
.…WaterAid Deputy Country Director Commends Lawmakers for Initiative – By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – As the bid continues for a WASH sector governance structure in Liberia, a WASH Legislative Caucus Secretariat has been established at the National Legislature. It is aimed to buttress efforts of development partners and WASH CSOs in putting mechanism that will improve the sector.
WaterAid Deputy Country Director, Chuchu Selma & AlieuSwaray of Liberia WASH Consortium
The establishment of the secretariat is also intended to assist members of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Legislative Caucus in coordinating their WASH Legislative agenda.
WaterAid Deputy Country Director extolled individual Lawmakers who have supported WASH programs in their respective Districts.
He said though WASH was priority six in the agenda for transformation for the former ruling Unity Party-led government, there was low financial support by the government for WASH.
Providing a history to the establishment of the WASH Commission, He said there was no political commitment and budgetary support for water and sanitation in the program of the former government.
Mr. Selma revealed that in a bid to resolve the issue of fragmentation in the WASH sector of Liberia, a document was formulated by WASH actors and international partners to set the platform in resolving some critical issues affecting the sector.
Law Makers, CSO Actors and development partners
The British charity Deputy Country Director said as part of the WASH Compact, the establishment of a Commission was key to solve the issue of fragmentation.
He disclosed that efforts of creating an enabling environment for WASH have not been progressing as expected by WASH actors and donors.
Mr. Selma encouraged Legislators who are part of the WASH Legislative Caucus to ensure that they push the agenda of WASH for the benefit of their constituents.
For their part, the Lawmarkers assured Liberians and foreign residents that they will work with WASH CSOs and development partners to put in place the necessary structure to improve the sector.
Briefing the Chairman of the WASH Legislative Caucus on progress, the Co-Chair of the Caucus, Representative Vincent Willie said the role of the Secretariat will basically bring up to speed the Caucus on development in the WASH sector.
Representative Willie indicated that the Secretariat would set the platform and inform the Caucus on development in the sector.
Also speaking, the chairman of the WASH Legislative Caucus, Grand Bassa County Senator, Jonathan Kaipay, thanked former Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for ensuring the WASH Commission Act was passed.
Senator Kaipay disclosed that all efforts are been exerted by them as WASH Legislators to work with the new government to put in place the necessary structure for the WASH Commission.
Law Makers, CSO Actors and development partners
The Grand Bassa County Senator expressed delight for the establishment of a Secretariat to carry on technical duties relating to the Commission, while Lawmakers politically engage for the Commission to function.
Also speaking during the launch of the Secretariat, an advocate who has championed the call for the appointment of WASH Commissioners, Timothy Kpeh thanked the WASH Legislative Caucus for the support.
The WASH Commission was one of the several recommendations enshrined in the WASH Compact calling for the establishment of a WASH Commission to ensure that Liberians have adequate access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation facilities in Liberia.
