By Gareyson Yaba Neufville
Residents of Weah Village in Maryland County’s District #1 are appealing to the Government of Liberia, Representative P. Mike Jurry, and humanitarian organizations for access to safe drinking water as the community continues to rely on an unprotected creek.
The settlement, home to more than 400 residents, has no hand pump, borehole, or other protected water source, forcing families to use creek water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing.
During a recent visit by reporters, women and children were seen fetching water from the creek despite concerns over contamination. Residents say conditions worsen during the dry season when the water becomes discolored and unsafe.
Resident Frank Smith said repeated requests for a hand pump have yielded no results. He also expressed concern that runoff from nearby road accident scenes along the Harper Highway may contaminate the creek.
“We have been asking for a hand pump for years, but nothing has happened,” Smith said.
General Town Chief Gabriel B. Harmon said despite the community’s rapid growth, repeated appeals for assistance have gone unanswered. He urged the government, lawmakers, NGOs, and other partners to provide a safe and reliable water source for the community.
