Monrovia, Liberia–The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has bolstered the government’s efforts to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services by donating and turning over fourteen (14) TVS HLX motorcycles with helmets, fifty (50) jackets and other accessories worth over USD16,000 to the WASH Commission, a UNDP press release said on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
The handover ceremony held recently at the headquarters of the WASH Commission in Monrovia marked a meaningful step forward in ensuring that essential WASH services reach even the most remote communities in Liberia.
The donation is part of a broader UNDP initiative to support Liberia’s WASH sector which is critical to improving public health and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In his remarks, UNDP Liberia Deputy Resident Representative for Programme Louis Kuukpen highlighted the importance of water. Kuukpen noted that the issues of WASH are issues of human rights, education, and the SDGs.
He pledged UNDP’s technical support to ensure WASH activities are decentralized. The donation will enhance the operational capacity of the National WASH Commission.
“The Motorbikes will empower NWASHC field officers to carry out their duties more effectively, ensuring that no community is left behind in the quest for improved sanitation and hygiene,” the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative stressed.
The Commission’s Acting Executive Director Teah Cooper reiterated the importance of decentralizing the WASH sector in the country. He also expressed his entity’s deep appreciation for UNDP’s continuous support to the government of Liberia and the commission.
The motorbikes will be distributed across various counties, enabling NWASHC field officers to reach underserved and hard-to-access regions more efficiently and enhance the operational capacity of the Commission. This will be crucial in the monitoring, evaluation, and implementation of WASH projects nationwide.
The event underscored the strong partnership between UNDP and the Liberian government in addressing the country’s developmental challenges and highlighted the ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for all Liberians.
Liberia faces significant challenges in the WASH sector, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure is limited, and access to clean water and proper sanitation remains a critical issue. UNDP’s support comes at a time when the country is intensifying its efforts to reduce waterborne diseases and improve public health.