Liberia's Water Warriors: Community Action Against Pollution

Liberia is facing a water crisis, with a large proportion of the population lacking access to clean drinking water. The country's civil wars have been a significant contributor to this issue, destroying water infrastructure and leaving many without reliable sources of clean water. Liberia's water crisis has led to severe consequences, including the spread of diseases such as Ebola, cholera, and diarrhea, which have claimed the lives of many, especially children. However, various organizations and the Liberian government are actively working to address this crisis and improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. This paragraph will discuss the efforts made by these entities to combat water pollution and improve water access in Liberia.

What are people doing to help water pollution in Liberia?

Organisations like UNICEF and WaterAid are providing support to improve access to clean water and sanitation

UNICEF has also been involved in hydrogeological and geophysical investigations and surveys for drilling and surveying boreholes, as well as in meetings with various Liberian ministries and NGOs. They supported the Liberian government in developing national water quality monitoring capacity by conducting training and capacity-building workshops. This helped the government establish water quality standards and baseline parameters. UNICEF's work includes improving WASH facilities in schools, which is crucial for preventing the spread of diseases and improving children's health and education.

WaterAid is also working to improve access to clean water and sanitation in Liberia. They highlight the importance of installing taps and toilets and influencing national policies and budgets. WaterAid has been working collaboratively with communities to create safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions. For instance, they brought running water to the Pipeline Health Centre in Paynesville, Monrovia, making life easier and safer for the community. This was particularly important during the Ebola outbreak, when clean water was essential for preventing the spread of the disease.

WaterAid's work in Liberia also includes a joint programme with Sierra Leone, which was interrupted by the Ebola outbreak. They aim to resume their efforts to bring safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions to protect the health of Liberians in the future.

The government is working to increase the coverage of WASH services in rural and urban communities

Liberia is one of the wettest countries in the world, with an abundance of rivers, rainforests, mangroves, and swamps. However, a large proportion of the population does not have access to clean drinking water. To address this issue, the government is working to increase the coverage of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services in rural and urban communities.

The government has established a WASH Commission to mobilize resources for water supply infrastructure and improve mutual accountability among sector actors through a One WASH Plan. This plan leads the efforts of mutual planning and program implementation within the WASH sector. The government is also working with partners like UNICEF and Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) to strengthen the capacity of WASH-related institutions and scale up WASH services across the country.

UNICEF's support for the government's efforts includes strengthening the capacity of WASH-related institutions at the national level to plan and implement the expansion of WASH services. They are also working at the community level to implement low-cost and high-impact approaches to improve sanitation and hygiene, such as Community-Led Total Sanitation. This work is crucial in improving children's health and education, as safe water, adequate sanitation, and good hygiene practices are essential for their well-being.

The collaboration between the government and organizations like UNICEF and SWA demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that all Liberians have equitable, safe, affordable, and sustainable water supply and sanitation services. This is in line with the Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (2018-2023), which outlines the government's goals for the country's water and sanitation sector. By addressing the challenges of water pollution and limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, Liberia is taking important steps towards protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.

Individuals like Kulah Borbor are teaching their communities how to purify water and prevent deadly diarrhoea

Liberia is one of the wettest countries in the world, yet a large proportion of the population does not have access to clean drinking water. This is due to a variety of factors, including poor sanitation and hygiene practices, as well as industrial and mining pollution.

Individuals like Kulah Borbor are taking it upon themselves to educate their communities about water purification and the prevention of deadly diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is often a symptom of a brief illness that can be treated with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious condition, especially if it is chronic, lasting for more than a month.

To prevent diarrhoea, it is crucial to have access to safe water. Boiling is one of the most effective ways to purify water and kill disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It is recommended to bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute, and longer at higher elevations. After boiling, the water should be cooled and stored in clean, sanitized containers with tight covers.

Another method of water purification is filtration, which helps remove large particles, bigger contaminants, and floating materials. Filters with an absolute pore size of less than or equal to 1 micron are highly effective in removing harmful organisms such as cryptosporidium and giardia. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper use and maintenance of filters.

Disinfection is the final step in the water purification process and can be achieved through various chemical treatments. Chemical disinfectants such as unscented household chlorine bleach, iodine, or chlorine dioxide tablets can be used, but caution should be exercised as some products may not be suitable for everyone. For example, iodine is not recommended for pregnant women or those with thyroid issues or iodine hypersensitivities.

By teaching these water purification methods, individuals like Kulah Borbor are empowering their communities to take control of their health and well-being, reducing the impact of waterborne illnesses such as deadly diarrhoea.

Liberia is actively participating in international and local policy changes related to climate change

The impacts of climate change pose a significant threat to Liberia's key economic sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, as well as energy, health, and meteorology/hydrology. The country's high reliance on climate-sensitive activities makes it particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of a changing climate. Liberia has recognized the risks and is working towards creating an environment for sustainable peace through the implementation of its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) with support from climate finance institutions.

At the project level, several initiatives have been identified to reduce the vulnerability of local communities to increasing climatic variability. These include integrated cropping and livestock farming, diversifying crop farming through the cultivation of soybeans and lowland rice, and improving monitoring of climate change to generate reliable hydrometeorological data. The SARTLA project, for example, aims to strengthen agricultural resilience and transformational livelihood adaptation in response to the increasing impacts of climate change on the country's agriculture-dependent economy and ecosystems.

Additionally, Liberia is working to strengthen its climate information and services to enhance climate-resilient development and adaptation. This includes improving the ability to integrate climate adaptation into planning and budgeting, creating mechanisms for scaling up adaptation investments, and addressing financial gaps. The NAPA process has provided valuable insights into successful adaptation projects and identifying gaps, allowing for more proactive responses to the challenges posed by climate change.

Through these efforts, Liberia is actively participating in international and local policy changes related to climate change, aiming to protect its economy, environment, and the health and well-being of its citizens. While water pollution is a pressing issue in Liberia, the country is also addressing the broader challenges posed by climate change through policy changes and adaptation initiatives.

The World Bank is providing funding for sanitation companies to increase waste collection and disposal

Liberia has faced a series of civil wars, which have contributed to the country's water crisis. The lack of water purification systems and limited ability to transport water resources have been exacerbated by years of conflict. In addition, the country's environmental issues, such as the pollution of rivers and coastal waters from industrial runoff and raw sewage, have further intensified the problem of water pollution.

To address these challenges, the World Bank is providing funding for sanitation companies to increase waste collection and disposal. This intervention is specifically targeting Monrovia, the capital city, where piles of household and industrial rubbish have often gone uncollected. In 2013, the situation in the Paynesville area of Monrovia became particularly acute, with residents and traders resorting to burning huge garbage piles to prevent them from blocking the main road out of the city.

The World Bank's funding aims to increase waste collection and disposal efficiency, reducing the risk of similar incidents in the future. This initiative is part of a broader effort to tackle the country's sanitation issues and improve overall public health. By increasing the capacity of waste management services, the World Bank is helping to prevent the spread of diseases, reduce environmental pollution, and create a safer and healthier living environment for Liberians.

The World Bank's funding for sanitation companies is a crucial step in the right direction, addressing the immediate challenges posed by waste management in Monrovia. However, it is essential to recognize that Liberia's water pollution issues are deeply rooted in its history of conflict and environmental degradation. Therefore, long-term solutions will require sustained efforts and investments in infrastructure development and environmental protection.

Additionally, it is worth noting that other organizations, such as UNICEF, Charity: Water, and Face Africa, are also playing vital roles in combating Liberia's water crisis. These organizations are working to provide access to clean water, improve sanitation infrastructure, and promote hygiene practices, which collectively contribute to reducing water pollution and improving public health in Liberia.

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