Liberia: Clara Town Faces Poor Sanitation Crisis: Residents Demand Urgent Action - FrontPageAfrica

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Monrovia-October 15, 2024 -Residents of Clara Town, a densely populated community in central Monrovia, is grappling with a severe water shortage and inadequate waste management, raising alarms about potential health crises. With approximately 65,000 inhabitants, this neighborhood is in dire need of basic amenities like clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and effective waste disposal.

By Emery Z Watson-Internews Water & Sanitation Reporting Fellow

Varney M. Kiahon, a local resident, voiced the growing frustration among community members. “The issue is getting serious day by day,” he said, pointing out that many water facilities constructed by the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) have fallen into disrepair, becoming non-functional for nearly three years. As a result, contaminated water from poorly maintained public toilets has polluted many homes, leading to waterborne diseases.

To meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for water access, Liberia aimed to increase safe drinking water services to 85% by 2023. Yet, the reality remains stark, with access to safely managed drinking water supply falling below 4% nationally. Rural areas suffer with less than 1% having access to safe drinking water.

The situation is particularly dire for women and children, who bear the brunt of the water crisis. Kiahon highlighted that out of 42 water points constructed in District #14, only 16 benefited Clara Town, and of those, just 8 are currently operational. This has led to fears of a possible outbreak of waterborne diseases.

Makuba Norris, businesswoman who has lived in the Doe community for over three decades, echoed these sentiments. “Since I moved here, the issue of water and sanitation has been a major challenge,” she said. “The decline in available safe drinking water has forced many residents to rely on expensive bottled water, which is a heavy financial burden for low-income families.” The situation worsened when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) demolished public latrines situated too close to water sources, leaving many residents with no choice but to resort to open defecation. Norris lamented, “Women, especially, face serious health risks with the lack of proper sanitation facilities.”

espite Liberia’s abundant water resources, nearly 90% of its population lacks access to safe drinking water. UNICEF reports that sanitation in Liberia is critically poor, with 42% of the population practicing open defecation.

Community leaders have sought assistance from various stakeholders, including the WASH Commission, to address the pressing issues. However, funding remains a significant obstacle. The national budget for the WASH Commission for 2024 is a mere US$891,200, a far cry from the estimated US$201 million needed annually to meet the SDGs.

George Yarngo, CEO of the National Water Sanitation and Hygiene Commission stated that the budget constraints hinder effective operations and called for a dedicated institution to oversee WASH activities nationwide.

Health professionals in the area, such as Mr. Koffa J. Nagbe, OIC of the Lone Public Clinic, noted that 15% of the illnesses treated at the facility are waterborne diseases, highlighting the urgent need for improved water and sanitation facilities.

The LWSC acknowledged the funding challenges it faces in maintaining water infrastructure. Communication Director Nimpson Todd emphasized the need for community awareness regarding the importance of safe water usage and maintenance.

As the residents of Clara Town continue to endure these harsh conditions, they are appealing for immediate government intervention and support from international partners. The clock is ticking, and the community’s health and well-being hang in balance. The time for action is now.