By: Joseph Kerkula
The Executive Director of the Liberia Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Commission, Mr. Morris Gono, is urging the Government of Liberia to substantially increase budgetary support to the WASH sector, describing adequate funding as essential to improving public health and accelerating the country’s sustainable development goals.
Speaking in an interview with the media, Mr. Gono said greater financial commitment would enhance the work of development partners and national institutions striving to expand access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation facilities, and basic hygiene services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.According to him, insufficient funding continues to impede the effective delivery of critical WASH services across the country despite rising demand.
He emphasized that increased investment would help reduce preventable diseases and improve living conditions for thousands of Liberians.
Gono disclosed that the Commission is engaging the Government of Liberia through the National Legislature, appealing to lawmakers for stronger financial backing to ensure the successful implementation of WASH programs and policies nationwide.
He further revealed that the Commission is currently rolling out the National Open Defecation Free (ODF) Roadmap, a strategic framework aimed at eliminating open defecation and strengthening public health standards nationwide.
According to him, the success of the roadmap rests heavily on sustained political will, robust budgetary support, and enhanced collaboration among government entities, development partners, local leaders, and communities.
“Investing in water, sanitation, and hygiene is not a luxury but a necessity,” Mr. Gono stressed. “Increased funding for the WASH sector will drastically reduce waterborne diseases, improve environmental sanitation, and enhance the overall quality of life for Liberians.”
He added that improved access to clean water and proper sanitation directly influences education, economic productivity, and healthcare outcomes, especially for women and children who are disproportionately affected by poor WASH conditions.
Gono has urged policymakers to prioritize water and sanitation in the national budget, noting that access to safe water and improved sanitation is fundamental to public health, social equity, and Liberia’s long-term development agenda.
