Living Water International Liberia has officially closed its six-year-long District-Wide Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Program in Bain-Garr Administrative District, Nimba County, as part of efforts to improving access to safe drinking water across rural communities.
By : P Uriah Suah / suahuriah86@gmail.com
Speaking at the climax of the event held in ULIC Central church in Ganta, the Country Director of Living Water International Liberia, Mr. Austin Nyaplue, reflected on the organization’s intervention which began in January 2019. He noted that the program had successfully constructed more than 300 water points, including 159 newly drilled boreholes and 153 rehabilitated wells, benefiting thousands of residents across the district.
“Basically, what we’re doing today is the closure of our district-wide WASH program in Bain-Garr District, which started right here in this very hall in 2019. Over the past six years, we’ve implemented various community empowerment initiatives, built and rehabilitated hundreds of water systems, and carried out capacity-building activities,” Mr. Nyaplue stated.
He emphasized that the success of the program was largely due to strong collaboration with the local government, traditional leaders, churches, civil society, and the community at large. “The local government structure here was very effective, and their involvement helped enhance our operations. From the commissioner to the county authorities, and even the Christian community – their cooperation was key.”
The event, which was attended by stakeholders and community members, also honored and certificated several individuals in recognition of their exceptional support and contribution to the success of the project.
Representatives from the WASH Commission, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, and other national and local institutions were present, including Nimba County Administrator Daniel Zekpeh, County Education Officer Francis G. Leagay, and Gompa City Mayor Samuel Hardt. Religious institutions, civil society groups, youth and women organizations, and other local leaders also graced the occasion.
According to the Living Water International team, the program faced several challenges including community behavior change and acts of vandalism. “We had to replace about 17 pumps that were vandalized toward the end of the project, Mr. Nyaplue revealed.
Despite these setbacks, beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation for the organization. They highlighted that the availability of safe drinking water has drastically reduced the incidence of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea.
“Since 2019, our communities have seen a major improvement in health thanks to Living Water International,” one beneficiary remarked. “Our children are no longer frequently sick from drinking dirty water.”
Mr. Nyaplue also announced that the organization’s work in Nimba County is far from over. A new program is set to launch on July 22 in Buu-Yao District, which aims to reach over 100,000 residents. The upcoming intervention is valued at approximately US$4.2 million and is funded by partner institutions, individuals, churches, and goodwill foundations primarily based in the United States.
“Our focus remains on overlooked and excluded communities. We conducted a baseline study in Buu-Yao and found significant water access challenges. That’s why we’re going there—not because of any politics, but because of the need,” he explained.
Although the Bain-Garr WASH program has officially concluded, Living Water International assured the public that its presence in the region will continue. The organization’s office will remain in proximity to the area for monitoring and support to ensure the sustainability of the water systems installed.
“This is not the end. We will continue to assess and support the communities. Sustainability is now in the hands of the people,” Mr. Nyaplue concluded, thanking the media and all stakeholders for their invaluable support.
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