Africa-Press – Liberia. The project involves installing 160 modern water systems designed to address the pressing needs of communities long plagued by inadequate and unsafe water sources.
In a significant stride to improve access to clean and safe drinking water, the Christian-based non-governmental organization, Living Water International, has officially launched a six-year US$7.1 million water project aimed at serving the residents of Buu-YAO District Number Five in Nimba County.
According to Pastor Austin Nyaplue, Country Director for Living Water International Liberia, this ambitious initiative will provide safe drinking water to approximately 19,477 people across 58 towns within the district.
The project involves installing 160 modern water systems designed to address the pressing needs of communities long plagued by inadequate and unsafe water sources.
The launched event, part of a broader District-Wide WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program, was a vibrant ceremony that brought together community members, government officials and church leaders from various denominations. The overwhelming attendance highlighted the hope this project is inspiring in a district severely affected by water scarcity.
Pastor Nyaplue shared findings from a preliminary water quality study revealing a stark reality: only 35 percent of Buu-YAO residents currently have access to safe drinking water. The remaining 65 percent relies on contaminated sources, with 95 percent of tested water samples deemed unsafe for consumption by Living Water International’s rigorous standards. This data not only justifies the urgent need for intervention but also highlights the potential health benefits the project aims to deliver.
Since beginning operations in Nimba County in 2019, Living Water International initially focused on the Bain-Garr Administrative District, installing 315 modern water facilities. Building on that success, the organization is now expanding its outreach to Buu-YAO, bringing renewed hope and critical resources to communities that have struggled without reliable water access.
Living Water International’s Mission Statement: “Living Water International exists to demonstrate the love of God by helping communities acquire desperately needed clean water, and to experience ‘Living Water’—the gospel of Jesus Christ—which alone satisfies the deepest thirst.”
Pastor Nyaplue emphasized the organization’s commitment to ensuring all residents in Buu-YAO District gain access to clean drinking water during the project’s six-month implementation period. He also pledged strong collaboration with local churches to facilitate smooth execution, highlighting global support from Christian institutions that fundraise to bring essential resources to Liberia.
Government Support and Community Engagement
At the launch, Jocelia J. Taplah, Deputy Minister for Rural Development and County Services, urged the people of Buu-YAO to actively participate in and take ownership of the project. She stressed the importance of dispelling skepticisms about NGOs and encouraged communities to embrace the benefits these partnerships bring.
Minister Taplah acknowledged the challenging road conditions in parts of Buu-YAO, which pose logistical difficulties for project delivery.
She assured attendees of the government’s commitment to supporting road rehabilitation to improve access and sustainability of water facilities.
Community Voices and Historical Context
Reverend John Troseh and Daniel S. Zekpeh, County Administrative Officer and former District Commissioner for Buu-YAO, provided a historical overview of the district’s ongoing water crisis. They recounted heartbreaking stories of children suffering and even falling victim to violence while searching for water, underscoring the urgent need for safe, local water sources.
Both leaders hailed the arrival of Living Water International’s Project as a “great relief” that promises to alleviate waterborne diseases and improve overall health outcomes in the community.
Calls for Ownership and Sustainable Impact
Local officials, including Albert Toukolon, Assistant Minister for Community Service at the Ministry of Public Works; Bannah M. Bestman, National Environmental Health WASH Monitoring and Evaluation Manager; and Solomon G. Walker, District Number Five Statutory Superintendent, encouraged residents to regard the water systems as their own. They urged full community participation to ensure sustainable sanitation improvements and effective maintenance of the new facilities.
George W.K. Yarngo, representing the National Water Sanitation and Hygiene Commission (NWASHC), expressed gratitude toward Living Water International for their vital contribution and pledged institutional support for ongoing sanitation initiatives.
Reverend Dr. J. Luther Tarpeh, Living Water International’s Board Chair for Liberia and Global Operations, reminded the public of the project’s importance in supporting government development goals. He emphasized that collective care and stewardship are essential for the success and longevity of this transformative initiative.
The launch of Living Water International’s US$7.1 million water project marks a transformative chapter for Buu-YAO District. With renewed hope and sustained partnerships among NGOs, government agencies, churches and residents, this project is poised to tackle the district’s long-standing water crisis. It promises not only to provide safe drinking water but also to improve health, education, and economic opportunities, ultimately uplifting thousands of lives and fostering a stronger, healthier community.
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