Water & Sanitation

Clean Water, Healthy Communities: Improving Water and Sanitation in Liberia 

Water and sanitation are essential pillars for public health, economic development, education, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and community well-being in Liberia. Prioritizing investments in water and sanitation infrastructure is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals and improving the lives of all Liberians. Water and sanitation (the WASH sector) are of paramount importance in Liberia for several reasons:

1. Public Health: Access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities is fundamental for preventing waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, which pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

2. Child Mortality Reduction: Improved water and sanitation infrastructure directly correlates with reduced child mortality rates. Clean water and hygienic sanitation practices contribute to healthier living conditions, thereby lowering the incidence of water-related illnesses that can be fatal, especially for young children.

3. Economic Development: Adequate water and sanitation systems are essential for fostering economic growth. Healthy populations are more productive, as they suffer fewer sick days and healthcare expenses. Additionally, access to clean water facilitates agricultural activities and small-scale enterprises, contributing to poverty reduction and economic stability.

4. Education: Reliable access to clean water and sanitation facilities in schools is vital for enhancing educational outcomes. It promotes regular attendance, improves concentration, and reduces the spread of diseases among students and teachers, creating a conducive learning environment essential for educational attainment.

5. Gender Equality: Women and girls are disproportionately burdened by the lack of access to water and sanitation. They often bear the responsibility of fetching water for their families, which can be time-consuming and physically demanding, limiting their opportunities for education and economic participation. Providing adequate water and sanitation services can alleviate this burden and promote gender equality.

6. Environmental Sustainability: Sustainable water and sanitation practices are crucial for preserving Liberia's natural environment. Proper waste management and wastewater treatment help prevent water pollution and protect ecosystems, ensuring the long-term availability of clean water sources for both human consumption and ecological balance.

7. Community Well-being: Access to clean water and sanitation services fosters healthier and more resilient communities. It promotes social cohesion, reduces the incidence of water-related conflicts, and enhances overall quality of life, contributing to the well-being and prosperity of Liberian society as a whole.

Our work in the WASH sector:

• We conduct baseline surveys for international organizations engaged in the WASH sector

• We prepare training modules and deliver training to civil society actors in the WASH sector.

• We conduct technical and managerial training of trainers workshops for international and local actors in the WASH Sector.

• We assess and develop curricula for actors in the sector.