By Bill W. Cooper
The government, through the National Water and Sanitation Hygiene Commission (NWASHC), and sector Ministries and Agencies have officially launched a Joint Inter-agency Monitoring and Compliance initiative focused on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.
The initiative, which was unveiled during a ceremony yesterday, June 10, 2025, at the Aqua-life Mineral Water facility, is intended to improve public health and sanitation across various companies and businesses operating in Montserrado and its environs.
These sector Ministries and Agencies include the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC).
Others are the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the NWASHC.
However, the launch of the exercise followed a two-day workshop organized by the NWASHC for its sector Ministries and Agencies, aimed at validating guidelines for the establishment of a drinking water company in Liberia.
In his overview, the Executive Director of the NWASHC, Morris Gono, said the joint initiative is intended to ensure that WASH facilities operating in Liberia meet health and safety requirements.
He noted that the launch of the Joint Inter-agency Monitoring and Compliance initiative marks a pivotal moment in Liberia’s efforts to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities across the country.
According to him, the exercise will also enable them to identify gaps and areas for improvement, as well as strengthen collaboration among government agencies and these businesses, ensuring a unified approach to WASH service delivery.
He added that access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities is a fundamental human right and a critical component of public health in line with the government’s ARREST Agenda; as such, they will ensure full compliance of all businesses during the inspection period.
The NWASHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), George Yarngo, said the launch of the Joint Inter-agency Monitoring and Compliance initiative comes in response to several pressing challenges that are still affecting the sector.
He said the initiative aims to ensure that WASH facilities across the country meet established standards and are effectively maintained, noting that it also seeks to enhance accountability among stakeholders involved in the provision and management of these essential services.
CEO Yarngon further emphasized the importance of clean water and sanitation in promoting public health, and said, “Access to safe water and sanitation is not just a matter of convenience; it is a matter of life and death.”
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our people. We must work together to ensure that every Liberian has access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities” he narrated.
The CEO further highlighted the role of community engagement in the success of the initiative, and added, “We cannot do this alone. We need the active participation of our communities to monitor and maintain these facilities. Together, we can create a healthier Liberia.”
Earlier, remarking, the respective Joint Inter-agency Monitoring and Compliance initiative sector Ministries and Agencies representatives expressed their commitment to supporting the initiative, and emphasized the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to WASH.
“Water, sanitation, and hygiene are interconnected issues that require a coordinated response. So, we are proud to be a part of this great exercise, which will ultimately improve the lives of countless individuals and families,” They added.
Meanwhile, the mini-ceremony ended with a tour of the entire Qua-life Mineral Water facility, with a commitment to visiting other factories, which will be crucial in ensuring that every Liberian has access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities.
Union Touring, the Qua-life Mineral Water management thanked the government for the initiative and assured them of their commitment to producing quality and affordable water for all Liberians.
