By: Emmanuel Koffa| Grand Kru County Correspondent
Sass-Town Nrokwia, Grand Kru County –Wednesday, August 20, 2025-Residents of Sass-Town Nrokwia have expressed their gratitude to the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) for its ongoing efforts in the construction and rehabilitation of hand pump facilities in Grand Kru County.
The LNRCS hand pump initiative taking place in several communities of Grand Kru County is aimed to improve access to clean and safe water as a vital step in promoting public health and enhancing the living conditions of community members.
The project, which began earlier this year, has already made significant progress as many residents in the county reported that the availability of clean drinking water has dramatically reduced the risk of waterborne diseases, which have historically plagued their various communities.
However, with the support of the LNRCS, the newly constructed hand pumps are not only providing essential water resources, but also empowering residents in fifteen targeted communities to take charge of their health and well-being.
This demonstration of appreciation was marked by a community event where residents watched a well-dredging machine in operation, signifying a major step forward in improving local water access.
Speaking at the site in the Sass-Town Nrokwia community, the women head Beatrice Sartiah lamented on the sentiments of many local residents. “We are deeply thankful for the efforts of the Liberia National Red Cross Society. The new hand pumps being constructed will change our lives when completed”, she stated.
Also speaking, Beatrice Nagbe, a community member expressed their relief and gratitude, noting that easier and safer access to water will allow them to allocate more time to other essential activities.
Beatrice Nagbe reflected on the past how they struggled, expressing hope that this project would lead them into a brighter future with improved sanitary and hygienic conditions.
“We no longer have to worry about where to find clean water, and our children are healthier because of this,” she said.
Lawrence Wotoh, Community Youth Chairman of Sass-Town Nrokwia on Saturday, August 16, 2025 also voiced out their heartfelt gratitude toward the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS), its partners, and the Government of Liberia for their ongoing efforts in the construction and rehabilitation of hand pump facilities in the County.
LNRCS Program Coordinator, Michael B. Paye, visited Sass-Town Nrokwia to witness the project’s impact firsthand.
During his visit, the LNRCS Program Coordinator highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting underserved communities in Liberia. “We believe that access to clean water is a fundamental human right. Our mission is to assist communities not only by providing resources but also by empowering them to sustain these improvements for future generations,” he stated.
Michael B. Paye noted that LNRCS has also conducted training workshops to teach community members how to maintain and repair the pumps, ensuring that these facilities continue to serve the community effectively in the long run.
He stressed that the initiative seeks to create a high-quality water system for the community in line with Red Cross strategic goals.
The Liberia National Red Cross Society Program Coordinator said the project is aimed at enhancing the water supply and ensuring access to safe drinking water, aligns with both the Liberia National Red Cross Society strategic development plan and the broader goals outlined in the government ARREST Agenda development plans. “We are committed to improving the quality of water systems in line with our strategic goals, and the government ARREST agenda,” Paye stated.
Mr. Paye further explained that reliance on traditional hand-dug wells have not been a sustainable solution for the long-term water needs of communities like Nrokwia.
He pointed out that the residents of Sass-Town Nrokwia have also formed a water management committee to oversee the maintenance of the hand pumps.
According to him, this initiative fosters a sense of ownership among community members, while at the same time encouraging them to work together towards a common goal of sustainability and hygiene.
Meanwhile, the positive impact of the LNRCS’s work also extends beyond just the provision of water.
Despite the ongoing construction and rehabilitation works of hand pump facilities, LNRCS is also implementing sanitation and hygiene practices, resulting from access to clean water have created a ripple effect, leading to better educational outcomes as children are now able to attend school without the burden of water-related illnesses or the daily chore of walking long distances to gather water.
As the project continues, the Liberia National Red Cross Society is exploring additional programs in fifteen communities of Grand Kru to further enhance community resilience, including workshops on hygiene education and sustainable agricultural practices.
