MONROVIA โ The National Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Commission, in collaboration with several key government ministries and agencies, on Wednesday, May 4, concluded the finalization of the Guideline for the Establishment and Operation of Drinking Water Production Facilities. The workshop, held at the WASH Commissionโs conference room, brought together key stakeholders from various sectors including ministries and agencies as it was designed to foster collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring that the guidelines reflect the countryโs needs and realities.
The workshop featured a diverse array of participants from the Ministries of Public Works, Health, Commerce, Mines and Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), etc.
The gathering was highly interactive, with rich discussions and active participation from all institutions. Stakeholders reviewed, validated, and gave final input to the Guideline, making it a truly collaborative effort. It was widely acknowledged as a strong and practical framework that reflects the collective commitment to safe drinking water provision in Liberia.
The Guideline outlines clear roles and shared responsibilities for all institutions involved, ensuring compliance with national laws such as the Public Health Law and Environmental Protection and Management Law. Originally developed and endorsed by the Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee on Water, the document now serves as a comprehensive framework to guide water production facilities in maintaining safety, quality, and accountability.
In his closing remarks, WASH Commission CEO George W. K. Yarngo emphasized that no single agency should bear the full responsibility for regulating the sector. โEach entity must understand its role and be prepared to mobilize the resources needed. This is for the good of our people,โ he said. โWeโre not working for ourselves but for the benefit of the general population.โ
Yarngo also noted that the document reflects a broader shift toward integrated governance, where collaboration and coordination across sectors are prioritized. He encouraged agencies to begin internal planning to ensure the effective implementation of their assigned responsibilities within the Guideline.
The finalized guideline is expected to significantly improve oversight and enhance the safety and quality of drinking water across Liberia, contributing to better public health outcomes and sustainable service delivery.
