By: Emmanuel Koffa |Grand Kru County Correspondent
Grand Kru County, Liberia –Thursday, May 01, 2025- In an effort to boost public health and sanitation, several communities in Grand Kru County have benefitted from the rehabilitation of damaged hand pumps, following assessments conducted by the Liberia Red Cross Society’s Grand Kru Chapter in various localities.
The initiative aimed to enhance water access and improve the overall well-being of residents in the region, which has faced challenges related to clean water supply over the years.
The Liberia Red Cross Society WASH assessment initiative specifically targeted communities including Picnicess, Ylatwen, Piddy, Nyanbo, Jlaklonken, Gbuken, Gblaborken, Karwalaken, Kwaken, Wutuken, Kladia, Nrokwia, Wesseh, Sloyen, and Dayokpo, in 2024.
George Gray, Field Officer at the Liberia Red Cross Society Grand Kru Chapter said the hand pump rehabilitation exercise is part of a broader effort to buttress national government initiatives focused on improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) standards across the country.
“Access to clean and safe drinking water is crucial for the health and well-being of these communities,” Gray stated. “By rehabilitating these hand pumps, we are not only providing immediate relief but also contributing to the long-term sustainability of water supply in these areas.”
According to him, among these, three communities notably received direct support: six hand pumps were rehabilitated in Picnicess, three in Ylatwen, and a new hand pump was constructed in Piddy, which previously had no access to such facility; which highlights the ongoing collaboration between local communities and the Red Cross aimed at addressing pressing needs faced by inhabitants.
For their part, the affected communities expressed gratitude for the improved access to clean water, which they noted would significantly reduce waterborne diseases and enhance their quality of life.
“We are thankful for this initiative. Water is life, and now we can access clean water without traveling long distances to find it,” said Dagbah Wleh, a community leader from Pinicess, expressing optimism for the future.
George Gray noted that the successful completion of these restorations work stand as a testament to the commitment of the Liberia Red Cross Society to drive positive change in local communities.
Meanwhile, as community leaders and residents celebrate this development, the Liberia Red Cross Society, the largest humanitarian organization in Liberia remains focused on further enhancing WASH services, ensuring that all communities have access to the essential resources they need for a healthier, sustainable future.
Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In- Chief
