By Christian Appleton
Harper City, Maryland County –
In a significant gesture of community development, Eric Wlea Giko, a former senatorial candidate and U.S.-based registered nurse, has dedicated a four- room public toilet facility to residents of Old Kru Town in Harper City, Maryland County. The ceremony, which took place on December 1, 2024, was attended by local leaders and community members, highlighting the importance of improved sanitation in the region.
Mr. Giko, who is known for his dedication to the well- being of Maryland County’s citizens, expressed deep concern about the inadequate sanitation infrastructure, which had forced many residents to resort to open defecation, particularly on beaches. “As a health professional, I understand the risks associated with poor sanitation. It is unhealthy and unsafe for people to use beaches as toilets,” Mr. Giko emphasized during the event.
The $6,000 facility, funded entirely by Mr. Giko, was a direct response to a community request made during previous elections. Local residents, particularly women, have long struggled with the lack of public restrooms, often resorting to the beaches, an issue that Mr. Giko described as both unhygienic and dangerous. Toflo Saletti Saletti, an elderly resident of Old Kru Town, lauded Mr. Giko for fulfilling his promise, calling him “a man of his word” and reflecting on the shame and embarrassment women faced when engaging in open defecation.
“Since 1847, we’ve lacked consistent maintenance of public toilets. This is why open defecation has persisted,” Saletti remarked. He also called for the establishment of a task force to enforce the use of the new facility, suggesting that a small fee of 10 to 20 Liberian dollars could be implemented to support its upkeep.
Residents were overwhelmingly supportive, pledging to make good use of the new facility, as many had long struggled to engage stakeholders who would take action. Mr. Giko’s intervention was seen as a beacon of hope, with community members expressing gratitude for his continued support.
In addition to this project, Mr. Giko also made a historic move in Gbolobo Tanbo, a small community in Pleebo-Sodoken District, with the initiation of the construction of a modern Town Hall valued at $10,000.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on November 27, 2024, marked a momentous occasion for the residents, who had long been advocating for a space to hold meetings and events. The new facility, expected to take six months to complete, is a testament to Mr. Giko’s commitment to fulfilling promises made during his 2023 senatorial campaign.
Despite his previous candidacy, Mr. Giko reiterated that he does not plan to run for the Maryland County Senate seat in 2029 unless the community formally petitions or endorses him. “I am committed to supporting the people of Gbolobo Tanbo in ways that truly benefit the community,” Mr. Giko stated, emphasizing that his focus remains on projects like the Town Hall.
Community leaders were quick to express their appreciation for Mr. Giko’s actions. Elder Anthony S. Wilson highlighted the role the Town Hall will play in resolving local conflicts and fostering community
dialogue. Youth Chairperson Messiah W. Wesseh also stressed the strategic importance of the town and how the Town Hall would serve as a center for decision- making in the region.
In Barriken Township, excitement was equally high as Mr. Giko and his team broke ground for another Town Hall, estimated to cost over $10,000. This marks yet another significant development initiative in Maryland County, with Mr. Giko’s commitment to improving local infrastructure and public spaces gaining widespread recognition.
As construction progresses on these key projects, residents of Gbolobo Tanbo and Maryland County are filled with optimism. The new Town Halls and public toilet facilities are expected to bring about long-lasting improvements to community life, fostering unity, dialogue, and hygiene. Mr. Giko’s selfless actions have earned him admiration as a dedicated humanitarian, and his influence continues to shape the future of Maryland County’s development.
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