WHI Dedicates Seven Solar-Powered Water Systems for 40,000 Liberians | News

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Thousands of residents in Montserrado and Margibi Counties are expected to benefit from improved access to safe drinking water following the dedication of seven solar-powered water systems designed to serve more than 40,000 people.

The facilities were officially dedicated on Friday, October 16, 2026, by World Hope International (WHI), a Christian relief and development organization, under its Improved Access to Safe Drinking Water in Liberia Project, before being handed over to the Government of Liberia in partnership with the National WASH Commission.

The project provides seven elevated concrete water towers fitted with 1,000- and 1,500-gallon storage tanks, powered by solar-submersible borehole pumps and connected to 17 community water kiosks.

The systems also feature inline chlorination units designed to support water treatment and purification, reducing residents’ dependence on potentially contaminated shallow wells and creeks, as well as costly fuel-powered generators.

The project’s completion marks the revival of an initiative that had stalled following a freeze in United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding.

Originally launched by Winrock International with USAID support, the project was left unfinished when the funding freeze disrupted implementation, leaving communities waiting for access to the planned water infrastructure.

To prevent the investment from going to waste, the Government of Liberia, through the National WASH Commission, engaged WHI to mobilize resources and take over direct implementation.

Rev. Jenn Petersen, President and Chief Executive Officer of WHI, described the project as a difficult undertaking marked by delays and uncertainty.

In a statement read on her behalf by WHI Liberia Administrator S. Josen Fahn Jr., Petersen said the organization and beneficiary communities had persevered despite the challenges.

“This project was not an easy one. There were starts and stops, and days when the finish line felt very far away,” she said. “And yet, our team and these communities ran with perseverance. Today, we celebrate safe, clean water flowing right into the heart of these towns.”

For years, residents in parts of lower Montserrado and Margibi Counties, particularly Gibi District and Kingsville, faced serious water shortages, forcing many households to depend on unsafe sources.

Women and children bore much of the burden, often spending hours walking long distances to collect water from shallow wells and creeks that could expose them to waterborne diseases.

At the dedication ceremony, community representatives and local officials welcomed the new facilities, emphasizing the importance of protecting the infrastructure and ensuring its continued operation.

Speaking on behalf of women in the Sarah Johnson Community, Madam Godgift Mulbah, Chairlady of the Pro-Women Group, pledged community support for maintaining the facilities and urged residents to abandon unsafe water sources.

“We, the women of these project communities, promise to maintain this water facility,” Mulbah said.

“I am calling on all our people to stop drinking from shallow wells and creeks. Safe water is the best way to protect our children from preventable sickness and infection,” she added.

Margibi County Electoral District #2 Representative Ivar K. Jones also praised WHI for completing the project after the funding disruption threatened its future.

“World Hope restored the hope of our people at a time when all seemed lost,” Jones said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony in Dolo Town. “Now, clean water is flowing, and it is our collective responsibility to protect these facilities.”

Beyond the construction of the water systems, the project has emphasized local ownership and long-term sustainability.

WHI established and trained Community Water Committees, technicians and local leaders in water governance, maintenance scheduling and financial accountability to help prevent breakdowns and ensure the facilities continue serving residents.

Elijah Kihara Maina, WHI’s WASH Regional Director for West Africa, said the training was intended to prepare communities to take responsibility for the infrastructure after the handover.

“We have trained your technicians, your WASH committees, and your leadership. This project is now yours,” Maina said. “You must take ownership of it. We want to come back in ten years and still see this facility alive and serving the people.”

Abed Tobey, Technical Consultant at the National WASH Commission, representing Commission Chief Executive Officer George W. K. Yarngo, and Chuchu Selma, Country Director of WaterAid Liberia, also commended WHI for stepping in during the funding gap.

They emphasized the importance of local oversight and responsible management to protect the investment and sustain access to safe water.

The initiative supports Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.

With management transitioning to local water committees and service providers, the facilities are expected to improve water access for residents in Baypolu, Yarwuellie, Dolo Town and 15 Gate, while helping reduce the health risks associated with unsafe drinking water.

The project’s long-term success will depend on effective maintenance, reliable water treatment, community participation and continued oversight to ensure the systems remain operational and accessible to the people they were built to serve.