By Bill W. Cooper
‘We Can Liberia’ a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable development, has officially inaugurated three modern toilet facilities for residents in Gbartala, Bong County in a remarkable effort to improve sanitation and hygiene in the community.
The new facilities, dedicated over the weekend under the theme: “Promoting Peace through Modern Toilet Facilities” and worth US$12,000, are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, aimed to provide better sanitation services and promote a healthier environment for the residents of Gbartala.
A US$10,000 grant was won by We Can Liberia CEO, Deborah Gonkpah, from the Davis Project for Peace, following a thorough vetting process, while she also won another US$2,000 grant from SHE CAN Make A Change, thus accumulating the total spent on the project to US$12,000.
With support from ‘Davis Project for Peace and SHE CAN’, the initiative marked a significant milestone in the organization’s ongoing ‘Community Led Toilet Sanitation’ projects to tackle the sanitation challenges faced by communities across Liberia.
The three modern toilets, strategically located in different areas of Gbartala, were meticulously designed to cater to the needs of the local population, as each facility features separate sections for males and females, ensuring privacy and maintaining a clean environment.
The modern newly constructed toilets are equipped with flushing systems, hand washing stations, and proper ventilation, ensuring optimal hygiene standards are maintained at all times to further prevent health risks such as Cholera, Diarrhea and Dysentery, among others.
Gonkpah expressed her enthusiasm for the completion of the project which she said will help bring some level of relief to the people of Gbartala.
Ms. Gonkpah further emphasized the importance of sanitation and hygiene in promoting the well-being of the community, and as such, mentioned that the dedication of the toilets, which now amounts to four toilets constructed by her organization, could not have come any better than now.
“Access to clean and functional toilets is a fundamental right of every citizen. We are pleased to contribute to the improvement of the living conditions in Gbartala by providing these modern facilities,” she asserted.
Earlier, serving as the guest speaker, a graduate of the University of Liberia, Emmanuel Gonkpah, stated that the provision of these modern toilets will have a profound impact on the lives of the local residents of Gbartala.
He then thanked the Organization’s CEO and team for the initiative, which, he added, will serve as a milestone and a long-time achievement for ‘We Can Liberia’ and the people of Gbartala.
In years back and now, the people of the famous Gbartala have faced significant challenges in terms of sanitation, with limited access to proper sanitation facilities.
Additionally, the issue of open defecation has been prevalent, thus leading to the spread of diseases and posing a threat to public health. So the introduction of these modern toilets will now help mitigate such risks, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
Meanwhile, several residents of Gbartala, following dedication of the toilets, have expressed their gratitude for the initiative taken by We Can Liberia.
Mrs. Noria L. Sackie and Isaac Seemon, on behalf of the residents, stated, “For years, our community has struggled with inadequate sanitation facilities. The dedication of these modern toilets is a significant step forward in improving our living conditions. We are thankful to We Can Liberia for their support in making this happen.”
We Can Liberia has been actively involved in various community development projects across Gbartala. The organization focuses on addressing critical issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
By partnering with local communities, We Can Liberia aims to empower citizens and drive sustainable change.
Meanwhile, the successful completion of this sanitation project in Gbartala showcases the commitment of We Can Liberia to improving the quality of life for all Liberians. The provision of modern toilet facilities is expected to have a lasting impact on the community, ensuring better health outcomes and a safer environment.
We Can Liberia intends to continue its efforts in collaborating with communities and stakeholders to implement similar projects in other areas of the country. The organization remains dedicated to its mission of transforming Liberia into a more prosperous and sustainable nation.
