Civil society organisations across Liberia involved in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector of the country have ended their first general assembly meeting in Monrovia with the adoption of several recommendations and measures including the change of name from the Liberia CSOs WASH Working Group to the Liberia Civil Society Organisations WASH Network.
The network is to lead a sustained advocacy in the WASH sector of Liberia and provide support to the poor, marginalized and vulnerable people to access safe drinking water, improved sanitation and good hygiene by using human rights based approach.
The newly established Liberia civil society organisations WASH network says it will engage government, development partners and other relevant national, international and county level stakeholders to ensure that service delivery in the sector is truly improved.
The three-day 1st general assembly of the WASH CSOs which was held at the central offices of the WASH Reporters & Editors Network of Liberia also adopted a 3-year Strategic Plan to serve as a road map for the implementation of the Network’s policies and activities.
The official launch of the Liberia Civil Society Organizations WASH Network was performed by Mr. Apollos Nwafor, Team Leader of WaterAid Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Mr Nwafor reminded the WASH Civil Society Organizations of their role in holding government and other WASH stakeholders accountable of ensuring access to water, sanitation and hygiene across Liberia.
He reiterated his Organization’s commitment to the support of the Network which has already started through an existing partnership.
For his part, Mr. Samuel Pieh, Coordinator of the Liberia WASH Consortium performed the induction of the newly elected Officers of the Liberia Civil Society Organizations WASH Network.
Mr. Pieh challenged the new WASH Civil Society Leaders to remain focused in their quest of advancing improvements in the sector in the interest of the Nation and people, especially the less-fortunate in society.
He also challenged members of the newly established Liberia CSOs WASH Network to remain supportive of initiatives, advocacy and education to ensure all Liberians and foreign residents have access to WASH.
Mr Pieh said the level of dynamism being exhibited by the CSOs in the WASH Sector is an indication that the Group is committed to ensure that there is improved access, quality to water, sanitation and hygiene for all in Liberia.
He also used the occasion to remind the network members how important and critical the issue of water, sanitation and hygiene is, describing it as the life wire of any economic development and the foundation of good health including tourism.
The Liberia WASH Consortium coordinator commended members of the newly established Network for the positive step taken.
For his part, the chairman of the Liberia Civil Society Organizations WASH Network, Prince D. Kreplah, said the holding of the 1st General Assembly is in fulfillment of the tenants of democracy which guarantees participation in decision making.
STORY: KORYEKPOR AWLESU FREEAMN
