CSOs Call for Increased WASH Financing in High-Level Meeting with Finance Ministry
In a concerted effort to address the persistent challenges plaguing Liberia’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, a coalition of dedicated Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) recently convened a high-level meeting with key officials at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP). The primary objective of this crucial engagement was to implore the Government of Liberia to significantly augment budgetary allocations for WASH initiatives in the upcoming fiscal periods, specifically the 2025 recast budget and the comprehensive 2026 national budget.
The CSOs, united by a shared commitment to enhancing access to clean water, improving sanitation facilities, and promoting hygienic practices across the nation, presented a compelling case for increased financial support. Their proposal to the Deputy Minister for Budget and Development Planning underscored the urgent need to address critical gaps in WASH infrastructure and service delivery, which have far-reaching implications for public health, socio-economic development, and overall national well-being.
Specific Funding Requests to Address Immediate and Long-term Needs
The CSOs articulated their funding requirements with precision, outlining specific allocations deemed essential to tackle both immediate and long-term WASH challenges. For the 2025 recast budget, they earnestly requested an allocation of $150,000. This targeted funding, they argued, would be instrumental in facilitating the completion of several ongoing WASH projects that have been stalled due to financial constraints. Completing these projects would provide tangible benefits to communities currently lacking access to essential WASH services.
Looking ahead to the 2026 national budget, the CSOs presented a more substantial funding request, advocating for an allocation of $7 million. This significant investment, they emphasized, is crucial to comprehensively address the pervasive sanitation challenges that continue to affect communities throughout Liberia. Inadequate sanitation infrastructure and practices contribute significantly to the spread of waterborne diseases, environmental degradation, and a diminished quality of life for countless citizens. The proposed $7 million allocation would enable the government to implement impactful sanitation programs, including the construction and rehabilitation of latrines, the promotion of safe hygiene practices, and the development of sustainable sanitation management systems.
Government Response and Encouragement for Formal Submission
The Deputy Minister for Budget and Development Planning, representing the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, engaged constructively with the CSOs, acknowledging the critical importance of the WASH sector and the validity of their concerns. The Deputy Minister welcomed the CSOs’ proactive approach and appreciated their detailed proposal. Demonstrating a willingness to consider their requests seriously, the Deputy Minister encouraged the WASH sector stakeholders to formalize their funding needs by submitting a comprehensive document outlining the specific projects, programs, and activities that would be supported by the requested allocations. This formal submission would provide the Ministry with the necessary details to进行 a thorough evaluation of the budgetary implications and potential impact of the proposed WASH investments.
Key Stakeholder Support Underscores the Urgency and Value of WASH Investment
The CSOs’ advocacy efforts were significantly bolstered by the active support and participation of prominent organizations within the WASH sector. WaterAid Liberia and Global Team, both renowned for their expertise and long-standing commitment to improving WASH access globally and in Liberia, lent their weight to the CSOs’ request. Representatives from these organizations underscored the compelling rationale for increased investment in WASH, emphasizing that such allocations represent not merely an expenditure but a strategic investment that yields significant value for money in the long run. They highlighted the direct link between improved WASH services and positive outcomes in public health, education, economic productivity, and overall national development. By investing in WASH, the government can reduce the burden of waterborne diseases, enhance school attendance, empower communities, and foster sustainable economic growth.
The Pivotal Role of the WASH Caucus Chairman
A key figure in orchestrating and amplifying the CSOs’ advocacy efforts was the Chairman of the WASH Caucus. Recognizing the critical juncture and the opportunity to influence budgetary decisions, the chairman was pivotal in organizing the high-level meeting with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the cause, the chairman pledged his full support to ensure that WASH is accorded the priority it deserves in the upcoming recast budget. He assured the assembled stakeholders that he would actively champion the CSOs’ funding requests and advocate for increased budgetary allocations to strengthen the WASH sector, thereby enabling it to address the pressing needs of the Liberian population effectively.
WASH Commission CEO Highlights Sector Challenges and Timeliness of the Call
Honorable George WK Yarngo, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the WASH Commission, a key government agency responsible for overseeing the sector, also participated actively in the meeting. In his address, Hon. Yarngo provided a comprehensive overview of the numerous and multifaceted challenges currently confronting the WASH sector in Liberia. He painted a clear picture of the existing gaps in infrastructure, the persistent issues related to sanitation, and the ongoing efforts to improve access to safe and reliable water sources. In this context, he emphatically underscored the timeliness and critical importance of the CSOs’ call for increased funding. Hon. Yarngo stressed that the requested financial support is not merely desirable but absolutely essential for sustaining the ongoing interventions and for making meaningful progress in addressing the deep-seated WASH challenges across the country. He further expressed his sincere gratitude to WaterAid for their consistent and invaluable support in advancing various WASH initiatives throughout Liberia, acknowledging their crucial role as a key partner in the sector’s development.
Conclusion: A Collective Hope for Enhanced WASH Investment and National Benefit
The high-level meeting between the CSOs and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning served as a significant platform for constructive dialogue and advocacy. The CSOs’ well-articulated funding requests, coupled with the strong support from WaterAid Liberia, the Global Team, and the WASH Caucus Chairman, underscored the urgent need for increased government investment in the WASH sector. The positive reception from the Deputy Minister and the encouragement for formal submission of funding needs offer a glimmer of hope that the government is receptive to prioritizing WASH in its budgetary allocations.
The discussions during the meeting effectively highlighted the fundamental role of adequate WASH financing in achieving broader national development goals. Improved access to clean water and sanitation is not simply a matter of convenience or comfort; it is a fundamental prerequisite for improved public health outcomes, enhanced environmental sustainability, increased educational attainment, and sustained economic growth. By investing strategically in the WASH sector, the Government of Liberia has the potential to unlock significant benefits for communities across the nation, fostering a healthier, more productive, and more equitable society.
As the government moves towards finalizing the 2025 recast budget and formulating the 2026 national budget, the CSOs, along with their partners and the WASH Caucus, remain cautiously optimistic. They are hopeful that their persistent advocacy efforts, grounded in a clear understanding of the sector’s needs and the potential for positive impact, will translate into concrete commitments for increased budgetary allocations. Ultimately, the success of their advocacy will be measured by the extent to which the government prioritizes WASH investment, thereby demonstrating a tangible commitment to improving the lives and well-being of all Liberian citizens. The collective hope is that this high-level engagement will mark a turning point, ushering in an era of enhanced WASH financing and tangible improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene services across Liberia.
