An estimated US$.4m lost each year due to premature death as approximately 3,000 Liberians including 1,800 children under 5 years die each year from diarrhea, nearly 90% of which are directly attributed to poor water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). In addition poor sanitation is a contributing factor to malnutrition rates which are leading causes to infant mortality rates.
Also in Liberia US$80,000 lost each year due to productivity losses as a result of sickness on the job while accessing healthcare. This includes time absent from work or school due to diarrhea disease seeking treatment at a health clinic or hospital and time spent caring for under 5's suffering from diarrhea or other sanitation diseases.
During the course of her first term in office, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf participated in and authorized the activities intended to improve clean water delivery in Liberia through pipe-borne water delivery systems as well as protected well water for citizens in the rural and less accessible communities.
This was followed in May 2011 with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf signing the water, sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) compact that aligns the principles of the sanitation and water for all, a global framework for action. The Government has sought to implement WASH activities through the Ministry of Pub
lic Works, specifically through the department of Rural Development and community Services.
The entire WASH processes is part of the administration of the Agenda for Transformation, steps towards Liberia Rising 2030 after the lift Liberia from poverty strategy (PRS) that helped Liberia move from post conflict emergency reconstructions and positioned it for future economic growth.
We view that government and development partners will help raise all the US$400m needed to salvage Liberia's water, sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) situation on a better footing in line with that of other developing countries. As the Investment into the WASH capacity Development Plan is launched we view that it is imperative on all stakeholders to continue their robust sector in overcoming the numerous challenges before them. Indeed water is life, but sanitation and hygiene is better life.
IndeedLiberia needs safe drinking water and a shift from open defecation and latrines to the use of toilets so as to minimize sicknesses.

Three officials of the Liberia United for Sustainable Development (LUSD) have disclosed that plans have been finalized to plant cassava on its 25 acres of farm land located in Kakata, Margibi County.
The leadership of the Independent Mano River Transport Union of Liberia (IMRTUL) has expressed thanks and appreciation to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for accepting and recognizing the IMRTUL operations in the country.


