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By Wilmot Konah Contact: 055566441/0775793638 [email protected]
Wainsue Kpai, Bong County – Residents of Wainsue Kpai in Bong County Electoral District #3 are making significant progress in eliminating open defecation, greatly improving community sanitation and health outcomes.
In a recent interview, Town Chief Madam Ruth Penick praised community members for their active participation and dedication to building household latrines, effectively addressing the longstanding sanitation challenges in the area.
“Our community had no proper toilet facilities before, which forced residents to defecate openly in the surrounding bushes or behind houses,” Madam Penick recalled. “This practice had a severe impact on our environment and health.”
Recognizing this important shift, Madam Penick credited the progress to a policy agreed upon by community leaders, requiring each household to construct and maintain their own pit latrine. The compliance rate has been impressive, with around 60% of the community now using improved latrine facilities, known locally as the “quee toilet commode.”
“Worried by the frequent illnesses caused by open defecation, I felt compelled to hold a community meeting,” Madam Penick shared. “We all reached a consensus during this meeting to implement a policy mandating that each household build and utilize their own toilet facilities. Thankfully, this decision is quickly transforming our community.”
She emphasized the harmful effects of open defecation on public health, particularly its role in the spread of diarrhea and cholera. According to Madam Penick, the collective initiative and commitment to the policy are effectively reducing these health challenges.
“Before this policy, our town faced significant rates of diarrhea, predominantly among women and children, largely due to poor fecal waste management,” she observed. “Today, we are seeing considerable improvements.”
To ensure compliance with the new sanitation regulations, community authorities have instituted a fine of 1,500 Liberian Dollars for households that fail to establish a toilet facility. “No one wants to incur fines, so nearly every family has eagerly complied by constructing their own latrines,” Madam Penick noted.
Additionally, Madam Penick urged other local leaders throughout Liberia to adopt their successful strategy by implementing innovative policies aimed at addressing local issues. Such proactive initiatives, she added, foster community growth and complement government efforts, especially when national advancements are slow.
