SEATTLE — Liberia currently faces the challenge of providing safe drinking water to many of its citizens. As of right now, only about 25 percent of the 4.5 million people in Liberia have access to safe, healthy drinking water.
The main reason behind this shortage of drinking water is the Liberian Civil Wars. These civil wars lasted nearly 14 years and occurred between the years of 1989 and 2003. Rebel activists targeted water and energy infrastructure as a way to cripple the enemy. One of the most important buildings destroyed during this time was the Mt. Coffee Hydro Electric Plant, located outside the capital of Monrovia, which served as one of the country’s main hydroelectric plants.
Now years after the destruction of these hydroelectric plants and water services, the main issue for Liberia has become the spread of water-borne disease. Outbreaks of cholera happen often, and nearly one in five deaths can be attributed to water and sanitation problems. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has taken notice of the worsening water quality in Liberia, which is why he appointed Dr. Kimmie Weeks to be the Chairman of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC). Dr. Weeks said, “Access to safe and clean drinking water is one of the most basic of human rights. Being a part of the team at LWSC gives me an opportunity to ensure that every Liberian has access to safe water.”
Liberia has already taken steps toward improving their water situation, one of which is closing the MNG Gold Mine until further notice. On September 24th MNG Gold’s tailing storage facility in Kokoya, Bong County had a rupture in its geo-membrane that released a slurry containing cyanide. This rupture contaminated the nearby Sien Creek and the local groundwater being accessed by pumps. Following the rupture, 34 people were hospitalized and 28 of them have already been discharged with no further complications. The closure of plants such as MNG Gold, which are unsafe and cause contamination, is essential when it comes to instilling higher safety regulations for water quality. These small actions will eventually increase water quality in Liberia.
The government isn’t the only one taking strides to improve water and sanitation problems, outside organizations are lending a helping hand as well. WaterAid is an international organization dedicated to improving sanitation and access to water for countries that need it. WaterAid’s efforts in Liberia are focused on helping women and girls who live in remote areas, providing them with toilets and other sanitation facilities. Most recently, WaterAid helped provide 13,000 Liberians with safe water and another 11,000 people with improved and safe sanitation methods.
– Scott Kesselring
Photo: Flickr