The Donfah Community, nestled in Bong County, Liberia, is poised to benefit from a significant development initiative: the inauguration of a modern water facility. This project, spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Liberian government, aims to provide safe and reliable access to clean drinking water for the community’s over 2,000 residents. The facility, representing an investment of over $83,000, is a key component of the Accelerated Community Development Programme (ACDP), a flagship initiative designed to address critical development needs across Liberia. This inauguration marks a crucial step towards improving public health, enhancing community resilience, and fostering sustainable development in the region.
The new water facility incorporates advanced technologies to ensure the provision of clean and safe water. A solar-powered system guarantees a consistent energy supply for the operation of the water pumps and distribution network, enabling continuous access to water resources. Further enhancing the quality of the water, a chlorination unit effectively purifies the water before it reaches community members, mitigating the risks of waterborne diseases. This comprehensive approach ensures not only the availability but also the safety and potability of the water supply, directly impacting the health and well-being of the Donfah community.
The construction of this modern water facility addresses a long-standing challenge faced by the Donfah community: the reliance on contaminated water sources such as creeks. This dependence has historically exposed the population to waterborne illnesses, posing a significant threat to public health. The new facility represents a significant stride towards mitigating these health risks. Moreover, it aims to alleviate the burden on women and children, who traditionally bear the responsibility of fetching water, often requiring them to travel long distances to access safe sources. This increased accessibility to safe water within the community will reduce their vulnerability to security risks, particularly gender-based violence, often associated with these necessary but perilous journeys.
The Donfah water facility is the first of five multi-purpose water infrastructure projects under the ACDP, with a total investment exceeding $388,000. Two additional facilities are nearing completion in Mardina and Totoquelleh communities in Gbarpolu County, slated for handover in early January 2025. Further projects in Yarkpah town, Rivercess County, and Bopolu, Gbarpolu County, are expected to be finalized and operational by February 2025. These projects collectively demonstrate the ACDP’s commitment to expanding access to safe water across multiple Liberian communities, contributing significantly to improved public health and overall development.
The ACDP, a multi-faceted government initiative launched in October 2022, is designed to address pressing development needs and reduce poverty and inequality in rural Liberia. With a budget of $100 million for the initial three years (2022-2025), the program focuses on strategic investments in critical sectors, including agriculture, water, sanitation and hygiene, energy, health, education, and infrastructure. This holistic approach aims to create immediate and tangible improvements in the lives of rural populations while fostering long-term socio-economic development.
The ACDP is strategically aligned with Liberia’s national development plan (AAID) and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a target of achieving these goals by 2030. By investing in essential services and infrastructure, the program aims to strengthen human capital, enhance community resilience to shocks and pandemics, and promote sustainable development. The provision of safe and reliable access to water, as exemplified by the Donfah water facility, is a crucial component of this broader strategy, directly contributing to improved health, increased economic opportunities, and enhanced quality of life for rural communities in Liberia. The formal handover of the Donfah water facility marks not only a significant milestone for the community but also a concrete demonstration of the ACDP’s commitment to achieving its ambitious development goals.
