PHOTO: Locals face with challenges from poor road, health infrastructure to lack of safe drinking water
By Tokpa M. Tarnue, tarnue82@gmail.com
DARBU TOWN, LOFA, Liberia – Residents of Darbu Town in the northwestern Lofa County are appealing to the government and its development partners to urgently address growing challenges being faced in this rural community.
The challenges include the lack of safe drinking water, poor road condition, the absence of a health facility, and inadequate education services.
One of the water sources in Darbu Town
Speaking on behalf of the community, Town Chief Tarnue Mulbah said residents have been battling illnesses caused by unsafe drinking water and appealed to the government to provide a safe and reliable source of clean drinking water.
Chief Mulbah also expressed concern over the poor condition of roads leading to the town, noting that transportation becomes extremely difficult during the rainy season, making it harder for residents to access markets and other essential services.
The town also lacks a health center, forcing residents to travel to Kpadamai to seek medical treatment. Community members said the long journey is especially dangerous for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and critically ill patients who require immediate medical attention.
Education remains another major concern, with the only school facing a shortage of teachers, leaving many children without regular access to classroom instruction.
For her part, Chairlady Kebeh Forkpah called on the County and District Education Offices to urgently deploy qualified teachers to the community’s school.
She also appealed to the government to construct a health center and rehabilitate the road leading to the town to improve access to healthcare and other basic services.