Africa-Press – Liberia. FACE Africa, a US & Liberia-based non-governmental organization, has completed and officially dedicated 152 improved latrine and sanitation facilities, six hand pumps, and one public Solar Powered Water System (SPWS) in rural Montserrado County.
These projects were implemented with support from The Niraj Bhatia Foundation, Well-Built Foundation, Murphy’s Naturals, Sharon O’Sullivan, and Leafy.
During the dedication ceremony of Phase III of FACE Africa’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene projects—held over the weekend in Kollieman and George Towns—FACE Africa’s Program Manager, Samuel Gorgbor, provided an overview of the initiative.
Mr. Gorgbor explained that in Kollieman Town, 60 latrines equipped with rainwater catchment systems were constructed alongside a large solar-powered water system, which includes a 2,000-gallon water tower and a solar submersible pump. This portion of the project, he said, was funded by the Niraj Bhatia Foundation. In addition, one existing hand pump in the town was rehabilitated.
He disclosed that in Kanasuah Town, 24 latrines and one hand pump were constructed with financial support from the Well-Built Foundation (founded by NBA Player, Malcolm Brogdon and his wife, Victoria Brogdon).
In George Town, he said, with funding from Murphy’s Naturals, FACE Africa drilled a new well, rehabilitated another, and constructed 32 bathrooms with integrated rainwater catchment systems.
“In Gbayan Town, another new well was drilled, and 25 bathrooms were built, also with funding from the Well-Built Foundation and the Brogdon Family,” Mr. Gorgbor divulged.
Continuing, Mr. Gorgbor added, “Finally, in Tata Town, which is the hometown of Bentol City Mayor John Minor, one new drilled well and 11 bathrooms with rainwater catchment systems were constructed.”
“The entire FACE Africa Bentol Phase III WASH Projects were funded primarily by a collective of the international donors listed above, as well as support from public donations,” said Mr. Gorgbor.
Also speaking at day one ceremony in Kollieman Town, Sylvia N. Solo, FACE Africa’s Health & Hygiene Training Officer, emphasized the importance of engaging women and youth in all WASH project activities. She stated that the organization established and trained 116 WASH Committee members—including 35 men and 81 women—over a three-month period, stating that the training covered topics such as hygiene, health, nutrition, vaccinations, financial management, sustainability, and maintenance.
Mrs. Solo noted that the WASH committees were empowered to take ownership of the facilities and raise awareness about stopping the practice of open defecation.
She added that members are now capable of performing repairs on their community hand pumps, and collecting funds from each household to cover their own repair costs, without the need to call FACE Africa every time something goes wrong.
At the same time, the 116 trained WASH committee members received certificates and were formally charged with the responsibility of maintaining and sustaining the infrastructure.
For many graduates, this was the first certificate they had received since elementary or junior high school
For her part, Pauline Egan, Executive Director of FACE Africa, told the communities that they are like an extension of family for her. She urged the community members to take proper care of the facilities and treat the project like their own baby.
She highlighted the significance of this handover day, emphasizing the important role that access to safe water and bathrooms will play in reducing their time spent on basic survival like fetching water or going into the bushes for toileting.
She encouraged community members, especially women and girls, to think about what they can do now with the time they have back, like going to school or learning a new trade for income generation.
Mrs. Saran Kaba Jones, Founder and President of FACE Africa, expressed pride in the growth of the organization, which she began over 15 years ago
“What started as a small initiative has now grown into a major organization with projects going on in multiple counties, and more than 20 current field staff members,” Mrs. Jones stated.
She reaffirmed FACE Africa’s commitment to addressing the urgent need for improved WASH infrastructure in underserved Liberian communities and encouraged residents to take care of the new facilities.
She emphasized that proper maintenance and care of the projects could inspire further expansion of these important initiatives into other communities in need.
She also stressed that lack of care of the projects might be discouraging for FACE Africa to continue in the, and therefore each town has a huge responsibility.
Mrs. Jones also thanked the organization’s donors for their continued trust and praised the FACE Africa team for their endless dedication and hard work.
Meanwhile, graduating members of the WASH Committees expressed gratitude to FACE Africa for helping their communities overcome the challenges of open defecation and waterborne-related diseases.
They pledged to use the knowledge gained to maintain and repair their respective water and sanitation facilities, and improve the health of their communities. Prince Mulbah – the head of the maintenance group of the Gbayan Town WASH Committee made a heartfelt speech, saying, “Thank you for making us decent”.
Also speaking, John Minor, Mayor of Bentol City, extended appreciation to FACE Africa for supporting the city’s efforts to eliminate open defecation and reduce waterborne illnesses.
He appealed to the organization to consider expanding its WASH interventions to other communities in rural Montserrado, noting the overwhelming need for such projects.
He, however, offered to make a piece of land available for FACE Africa in order to encourage the organization to continue it’s important development in the region.
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