By Patrick Teah Jr.
Residents of Tarlu City in Grand Kru County have been living without access to safe drinking water for more than three years, a situation local authorities say has created a serious public health emergency.
Speaking to Verity Online News on January 14, 2026, Tarlu City Mayor Wleh Saywon described the crisis as both dangerous and degrading, warning that continued reliance on unsafe water sources has exposed residents to waterborne diseases and daily hardship.
According to the mayor, the city previously had three hand pumps, all of which are now broken despite several attempts by community members to repair them.
With no functional water facilities, residents are forced to walk about 15 minutes to nearby creeks to fetch water for drinking and household use. Mayor Saywon said the creek water is unsafe but remains the community’s only means of survival.
“Our people are not safe,” the mayor said. “For three years, we have been drinking from creeks just to stay alive. This problem is affecting every aspect of our lives.”
Beyond the water crisis, Mayor Saywon highlighted the worsening economic conditions in Tarlu City. He explained that most residents depend on subsistence farming and are struggling to survive, a situation he attributed to limited government support and a lack of development initiatives.
He also expressed concern about the state of education in the community, revealing a serious shortage of teachers at the Tarlu City elementary school. He warned that without urgent intervention, the future of children in the city could be further jeopardized.
Mayor Saywon is now appealing to the Government of Liberia, humanitarian organizations, and development partners to urgently restore access to safe drinking water, support livelihoods, and address the shortage of teachers.
Residents say the prolonged neglect has left them feeling abandoned and hope the mayor’s appeal will finally draw national attention and lead to meaningful improvements in their living conditions.
