Liberia: Essence of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Underscored – Asst. Minister Asserts

Assistant Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Tolbert Nyenswah, said the issues of water, sanitation and hygiene promotion is very critical to national development.

Minister Nyenswah made the observation while speaking at a one day WASH market fair at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Congo Town.

The workshop organized by the Wash Consortium aiming at bringing together the consortium to showcase partners in the sector facilities brought together several participants and stakeholders.

Addressing the fair, Minister Nyenswah said it is incumbent upon government to give the needed support to the consortium by carrying out its objective to improve the issues of water, sanitation and hygiene.

He also disclosed that his Ministry is making frantic effort in collaborating with international organizations and NGOs to combat the issues of water born diseases.

Meanwhile the National Legislature has submitted a bill on August 30th 2012 for the establishment of a water and sanitation commission for enactment into law.

Representative Munah Pelham make the disclosure during the WASH market fair, she said the lower house of parliament have already sent the bill to committee room for action when the legislature return from the annual agricultural break early next year.

The WASH consortium coordinator of Liberia Mr. Samuel Pieh said the consortium have involved in the collaboration of efforts in improving the water sanitation and hygiene promotions in Liberia through its members, including ACF, Concern World Wide, Oxfam, Solidarity and Tear fun.

He said all five of the consortium members have identified local NGos that they have partnering with in the sector. According to him the WASH Consortium members have address three main strategic areas where they provide direct services in all communities in the ten counties the wash-consortium members are operational.

He said the consortium have provided service in water supplies , sanitation and hygiene promotion as the first area while capacity building, through training, logistical supports to institutions and individuals were prioritized.