By: Edwin N. Khakie
Gbarnga, Bong County – In a transformative effort to improve access to safe and sustainable water in rural Liberia, the Rotary Club of Gbarnga, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Madison (USA), Strides for Africa, and Humanity Care Liberia, has officially commissioned two solar-powered water supply systems in Bong and Nimba Counties.
The initiative, launched under the theme “Lifting Humanity,” reflects a powerful transcontinental partnership involving Rotary Clubs from Gbarnga, Madison, Stoughton, and Milwaukee, as well as Rotary Districts 9101 (West Africa) and 6250 (USA). The project is part of Rotary’s broader mission to advance health, hygiene, and dignity by ensuring access to clean water in underserved communities.
The newly completed wells are located at Dolokelen Gboveh High School in Gbarnga, Bong County, and at the Geolanda Extension School and Orphanage Home in Ganta, Nimba County. These installations now provide clean water to hundreds of students, educators, and nearby residents who previously relied on creeks and distant, often unsafe, hand-dug wells.
“These wells will drastically reduce waterborne illnesses and ease the daily burden of water collection — especially for women and school-age girls,” said Sam Gaye, Program Manager of Humanity Care Liberia, the local implementing partner. “This isn’t just a water project — it’s a step toward climate-resilient, community-based development. The solar-powered system ensures a clean and reliable supply in areas with limited electricity.”
At the official handover ceremonies, community members, local leaders, and representatives from partner organizations gathered in celebration, reaffirming their shared commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.
Rotarian Rupert Surian, outgoing President of the Rotary Club of Gbarnga, hailed the initiative as a powerful example of global solidarity and purpose-driven collaboration.
“Access to safe drinking water should be a right, not a privilege,” Surian said. “This project shows what we can achieve when we work together across borders to uplift humanity.”
Anthony Siakor, Assistant District Governor of Rotary Liberia, also delivered remarks, underscoring the value of sustained investment in local infrastructure through international partnerships.
Students and school leaders at the beneficiary institutions expressed profound gratitude for the intervention.
Madam Mamalon Nuweli, Acting Principal of Dolokelen Gboveh High School, noted that the water system has already made a difference in daily school operations.
“We used to walk long distances to fetch water from creeks or unsafe wells,” said Winfred D. Tornorlah, a student at Gboveh High. “Now, we have clean water just steps away. It’s helping us stay healthy and focus on our studies.”
Annie Morris, a student at Geolanda Extension School in Ganta, added: “This project means hope, dignity, and opportunity for us and our communities.”
The success of the initiative has sparked calls for expansion. Local residents and officials are urging partners to replicate similar systems in other water-insecure areas of Bong and Nimba Counties.
“This is the kind of development we need — practical, community-centered, and sustainable,” said Jefferson Benson, a local leader who attended the ceremony.
As Liberia continues to rebuild and strengthen its infrastructure following years of post-conflict challenges, initiatives like this stand as beacons of progress, powered by renewable energy, rooted in community needs, and aligned with Rotary’s enduring motto: Service Above Self.
