By Methuselah Gaye
Yarpah Town, Liberia — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Government of Liberia, has successfully completed the reconstruction of a modern water facility in Yarpah Town, Rivercess County, following the collapse of the original structure due to substandard materials.
The facility, which was originally completed in early 2024 under the Accelerated Community Development Programme (ACDP), was met with celebration by the local population of approximately 2,500 residents. However, the jubilation was short-lived as the initial water tower suffered structural failure during its testing phase, less than a week after completion in 2024..
UNDP swiftly intervened, rebuilding the infrastructure to meet international standards. The newly completed water system is now fully operational and is expected to significantly improve the health and wellbeing of Yarpah Town residents by providing safe and clean drinking water.
Equipped with a solar-powered energy system, the facility ensures the daily flow and distribution of water to strategically placed kiosks throughout the community.
Additionally, a chlorination unit has been installed to purify water before distribution, addressing long-standing issues of waterborne diseases resulting from the use of contaminated sources such as nearby creeks.
Beyond providing clean drinking water, the facility is also designed to support irrigation efforts, helping to alleviate agricultural challenges in the area.
“This new water system is a game changer,” said Township Commissioner Janjay Zodahgar. “For years, we depended on unsafe sources for water.
The project is one of a wider ACDP, a five year effort officially started October 2022 to address poverty and inequality across Liberia agriculture dependent rural populations.
Initiating with a three-year (2022-2025) budget of $100 million, the programme plans to invest in agriculture and Water Sanitation & Energy (WISE), education, Health and Infrastructure.
UNDP implements the ACDP, which besides promoting Liberia’s recently adopted national development plan (AAID) contributes to the overall drive of the country in realization its goal of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by year 2030.
The residents of Yarpah Town are cautiously hopeful that this is just the start to lasting development and well-being for their community as a result of a functioning water facility providing visible benefits.
