Capitol Hill, Monrovia: On May 29, 2024, the House of Representatives, represented by Deputy Speaker Hon. Thomas P. Fallah, officially inaugurated Hon. Anthony F. Williams, the lawmaker for Pleebo Sodoken District #2 in Maryland County, as the new chairperson of the House’s statutory committee on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Environment. Williams succeeds Hon. Thomas Goshua of Grand Bassa County.
The inauguration ceremony coincided with the WASH Multi-Stakeholder Acquaintance Meeting at the Capitol, which brought together key international partners, including the African Development Bank (AFDB), USAID, PSI, C4H, Living Water, World Bank, and various sectoral line ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Public Works, Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, Ministry of Health, EPA, and the WASH Commission. Also in attendance were civil society organizations and other stakeholders in the WASH sector.
Themed “Improving Our Living Environment Through Safe Drinking Water, Waste Management, and International Partnerships,” the meeting aimed to identify the most vulnerable counties grappling with environmental and WASH challenges. It focused on recognizing funding mechanisms and policy initiatives designed to transform the lives of both rural and urban residents. This includes issuing early warning mechanisms to ensure adequate access to safe drinking water and environmentally friendly public latrines, along with implementing robust monitoring systems to ensure donor funds are used appropriately and transparently.
In his address, newly inducted WASH & Environment Chairperson Hon. Anthony F. Williams emphasized the need for collective effort in addressing the persistent problems within the sector. “I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust you have placed in me by appointing me as the chairman of the WASH and Environment committee. It is a privilege to serve alongside dedicated and passionate individuals who share a common goal: to make a positive impact on our community and the environment. I look forward to working collaboratively with each of you, leveraging our collective expertise, and driving meaningful change. Together, we can address critical issues related to water, sanitation, hygiene, and environmental sustainability. Let us embark on this journey with enthusiasm, commitment, and a shared vision,” Williams stated.
Hon. Williams also highlighted the need for synergy among government ministries and agencies dealing with WASH issues separately, such as the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Health, and the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC). He announced plans to introduce a bill titled “Water Ministry,” aimed at centralizing WASH activities to provide a clear framework for partner support and funding.
Additionally, Hon. Williams recommended establishing a department focused on WASH at tertiary institutions and universities. He stressed the importance of extending donor projects beyond Monrovia to other counties and districts where residents face greater WASH challenges with less support.
In closing, Hon. Williams pointed out the inefficiency of having multiple partners working on the same projects within a single county or district. He urged partners to diversify their efforts to other regions once they notice overlapping activities, ensuring broader and more effective impact across Liberia.
Deputy Speaker Fallah praised the collaborative efforts, stating, “This initiative marks a significant step forward in our commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Liberians. By uniting our efforts and resources, we can make substantial progress in providing safe drinking water and improving sanitation and hygiene practices across the nation.”
