Yarpah Town, Rivercess County – The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Government of Liberia have officially dedicated newly constructed solar-powered water facilities in Rivercess County, a landmark step toward improving access to safe drinking water and advancing rural development.
At the ceremony, UNDP Liberia Resident Representative, Mr. Louis Kuukpen, described the project as more than infrastructure.
“Today, we are not just handing over infrastructure; we are handing over hope, resilience, and progress,” Kuukpen said. “Access to clean and safe water is a basic human right and a cornerstone of dignity, health, and opportunity.”
He credited the collaboration of the Ministries of Public Works, Finance and Development Planning, the National WASH Commission, and local communities for ensuring that the project remains sustainable, inclusive, and community-owned.
The water facilities are part of the Accelerated Community Development Program (ACDP), a flagship initiative of the Liberian government supported by UNDP and partners. The program focuses on delivering essential services, creating jobs, and reducing inequalities in rural areas.
During the dedication, ACDP Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst, Mr. Yousouf Sanoe, highlighted major achievements of the program:
Formation of 12 farmer-based organizations into cooperatives.
Distribution of 14 tractors, trailers, and processing equipment in six counties.
Supply of modern tools to more than 2,400 farmers.
Governance and financial training for 148 cooperative members (75 men, 73 women).
Start-up grants of $20,000 USD to each cooperative and the establishment of two mini field offices.
Donation of 16 motorbikes worth over $50,000 USD for agricultural extension.
Distribution of over 4,000 kilograms of improved seeds.
Delivery of seven ambulances to the Ministry of Health, which facilitated 340 emergency transports between July and December 2024.
Since 2023, the UNDP and Government of Liberia have invested more than $4 million USD in the ACDP, with about $300,000 USD dedicated to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
“These facilities will serve thousands, reducing waterborne diseases, improving hygiene, and freeing up time, especially for women and children to pursue education and livelihoods,” Sanoe noted.
Rivercess Superintendent Byron W. Zahnwea described the project as “a great blessing” for Yarpah Town and surrounding communities but urged residents to safeguard it.
“We are overwhelmingly happy for this project,” Zahnwea said. “But we must also understand that its success depends on us. We, the beneficiaries, have the responsibility to take care of it.”
On behalf of the county’s Legislative Caucus, Representative Steve Tequah (District #2) praised the initiative but called for expansion.
“I saw something today – the UNDP is reaching the poorest communities. But we need more. This should not stop in Yarpah Town,” he said, urging extension to places like Cestos City and ITI.
Representing President Joseph N. Boakai, Dr. James K. Sumah, Deputy Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit, called the project a lifeline for rural communities.
“This aligns with Strategic Policy 21 of the President’s AAID Agenda for Inclusive Development, which ensures no Liberian is left behind,” he said.
Dr. Sumah thanked UNDP for its co-financing role and stressed the importance of sustainability.
“This is not just a gift to you; it is a shared responsibility. The sustainability of this vital infrastructure lies squarely in your hands,” he cautioned.
He called on local chiefs, elders, women, and youth to take full ownership, protect the facilities from misuse, and maintain them through community water committees.
