MONTSERRADO COUNTY, LIBERIA – A local NGO known as ‘the Sustainable Urban and Rural Integration Development Organization’ (SURIDO)  has  concluded a three day intensive training workshop  on  water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) for some 90 residents in Todee Statutory District , Montserrado county.

The participants dominated by women, acquired ‘WASH sustainability skills’ during the intensive training sessions held at the Administrative Hall, Nyehn Town in Todee Statutory District,

According to a WASH media dispatch, the first batch of 90 participants comprising local leaders and prominent citizens were trained in village saving Loan skills   to ably sustain WASH facilities within some 15 towns where Surido is operating in Todee District.

The second Day session focused on sustainability skills to enable WASH-line ministries and local authorities to manage WASH facilities in the district, while the third day training session was attended by representatives of WASH-line ministries, local leadership and Civil Society Organizations, focusing on Human Right Based Approach in WASH Advocacy.

The Program Director of Surido, Mr. Sipplyy M. Dugbeh, said SURIDO has constructed nine water wells in some schools and communities as well as rehabilited 19 more water wells in Schools and communities during its two phrases of works  in Todee district.

Director Dugbeh said Surido programs and projects are supported by Water Aid-Liberia and the Church of Latter Day Saints Charity.   Mr.Dugbeh thanked Water Aid-Liberia and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ charity for supporting Surido to bring relief to the needed in Todee District.

He however expressed regret that Surido is being challenged to remedy the lacks of safe drinking water in Todee district where most residents are drinking from running creek water due to the lack of pipe borne water or sufficient water wells in the communities.

He confirmed that most residents get drinking water from a creek  at “Gaan-ka-la Hill” about 15-20 minutes drive from Nyehn town among others. Director Dugbeh wants for support to dig water wells on Gaan-ka-la Hill and its surrounding towns and school campuses in Todee district.

Mr. Dugbeh confirmed that a sac of water is being sold for LD$200.00 and a plastic bag cost Ld$10.00 prices most citizens cannot afford.

Earlier, some Residents of Todee District complained about lack of safe drinking water, sanitation and hygienic practices, noting that they are drinking from running creek water while safe sanitation and hygienic practices are strange in the district.

They pledged to cooperate with Surido and partners to help improve the appalling conditions of water, sanitation and hygiene in the district.