ROBERTS INT’L AIRPORT, LOWER MARGIBI COUNTY-As part of efforts leading to the re-opening of the Roberts International Airport (RIA), the British Charity, Water Aid -Liberia and the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Commission have turned over ten hand washing stations to the management of the Airport.
The construction of the hand washing stations is part of health protocols put in place by the Government of Liberia to combat the coronavirus in the Country.
The construction was carried outby Water Aid- Liberia after an assessment conducted by Water Aid and the National WASH Commission at the airport.
The hand washing stations were designed by Water Aid and constructed by one of its partners, the Community Development Services (CODES).
The hand washing stations are strategically placed at the airport, to afford passengers the opportunity to carry out hand washing before and after departure at the airport.
Sampson Tetty, Water Aid’s Technical program Manager, asserted that facilities will provide safe sanitary and hygiene conditions at the airport.
“Not only providing a safe sanitation and hygienic conditions for passengers, but the entire airport including staff”, Tettey noted.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony Wednesday, June 24,2020, at the dedication ceremony, the Country Director of Water Aid -Liberia, Chuchu Selma, said his organization remains supportive of government not only in the fight against COVID-19, but WASH issues as a whole.
Selma described water and sanitation as not only critical to the fight of corona virus, but the survival of mankind.
“I am hoping that the collaboration between the Government of Liberia and Water Aid can move a step further”, Selma added.
The Water Aid Country Director indicated that his organization is anticipating working with Government to ensure that similar facilities are constructed in schools, to create a safe environment for students when they resume classes.
According to him, the project was an indigenous initiative, constructed by one of its partners, the Community Development Services (CODES)
Mr. Selma, however, commended staff of Water Aid for taking the lead in making sure that necessary arrangements were made for the construction of the facilities.
“I want to appreciate the National WASH Commission and the Management of the RIA for the level of collaboration during the assessment for the construction of the facilities”, Mr. Selma noted.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the WASH Commission, said the initiative came about due to the quest of the President of Liberia, George Weah to re-open the RIA.
The WASH Commission, according to the Chair, as a lead on the pillar on water and sanitation saw the need to move in and carry out the necessary assessment on water and sanitation at the airport
“We want to be grateful to Water Aid – Liberia for the level of co-operation during the assessment at the airport for the construction of the WASH facilities”. Mr. Whitefield asserted.
He disclosed that besides the assessment for the construction of the hand washing stations, training was conducted on infection control among staff of RIA.
The WASH Commission boss commended Water Aid for been supportive of the initiative, and called on other development partners to emulate the example of Water Aid.
He also commended the management of the RIA for been so co-operative during the training on infection control prevention.
Proxing for the Managing Director of the RIA, John Krayee, RIA Manager, Jerrod Mends-Cole, said:” Since the the pronouncement of President Weah, the port authority has been collaborating with Incident Management System(IMS)for the reopening of the airport.
Mr. Mends-Cole said the IMS pillar on infection control and the RIA management has been working around the clock, ensuring that infection control mechanisms are put in place to safe guard the airport, staff and passengers.
The RIA airport Manager, said the management was pleased when the WASH Commission decided to do a feasibility studies on the water and sanitation needs at the airport.
“On behalf of the management, I must also thank you for the training provided our staff on infection prevention and control”, he noted
Since 2009, Water Aid -Liberia has been engaged in the provision of safe drinking water and improved sanitation facilities in several parts of the Country.
During the out break of the Ebola virus in Liberia, the British charity responded robustly, providing WASH facilities at several institutions in the Country.
The charity was also instrumental in introducing WASH in health program in health facilities in Liberia.
