United Youth Strengthens Community Leadership for Sustainable WASH Facilities Management

Monrovia, Liberia – October 23, 2025

United Youth for Peace, Education, Transparency, and Development in Liberia (UYPETDL) convened a Community WASH Facilities Workplan Implementation Meeting with key representatives from WaterAid Biodigester Project Communities, aimed at promoting the sustainable management of biodigester toilets and enhancing community-led accountability, transparency, and collaboration in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives.

The meeting gathered community WASH committees, local leaders, and representatives from the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), alongside participants from St. Kizito, 72nd, Bong Mines Bridge, Karpeh Street, and Central New Town communities.

Setting the Stage for Collaboration

Delivering the welcome remarks, Mrs. Henrietta Jimmy commended the community leaders, CBEs, and PMCs for their dedication and participation. She emphasized that strong leadership and collective brainstorming are vital to ensuring sustainable sanitation solutions in local communities. Mrs. Jimmy encouraged participants to build inclusive and accountable structures that would strengthen WASH activities across Liberia.

Reviewing and Validating the Community Work Plan

In his overview, Mr. Timothy Kpeh, National Executive Director of UYPETDL, stated that the meeting’s primary goal was to review and validate the WASH Committees’ work plan and to establish a community WASH leadership team responsible for promoting accountability, transparency, sustainability, and proper facility management, especially for biodigester toilets constructed under the WaterAid Project.

Mr. Kpeh presented the detailed work plan and introduced a draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the formation of a Community WASH Facilities Management Committee Network, which will coordinate maintenance, reporting, and capacity-building across communities.

“To ensure the long-term functionality of these WASH facilities, we must establish regular coordination and maintenance mechanisms at the community level,” said Mr. Kpeh.“This network will play a crucial role in mobilizing communities, sharing best practices, and liaising with local authorities and service providers.”

Objectives of the Community WASH Facilities Management Committee Network

The TOR outlines the objectives and scope of the quarterly meetings of the Network, which include:

·       Reviewing the functionality and maintenance of WASH facilities, especially biodigester toilets.

·       Sharing experiences, challenges, and good practices among committee members.

·       Coordinating cleaning, desludging, and inspection schedules.

·       Identifying capacity-building needs and mobilizing resources.

·       Strengthening accountability and community ownership of WASH services.

The Network will serve as a platform for communities to collectively manage and sustain sanitation facilities while promoting inclusive participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Formation of Community Leadership

A new acting leadership structure was elected to coordinate WASH activities among project communities:

·       Chairperson: St. Kizito Community

·       Co-Chairperson: Karpeh Street Community

·       Secretary: 72nd Community

This interim leadership will guide implementation of the work plan, ensure facility maintenance, and foster collaboration among community WASH committees.

Key Discussion Points

Facility Cleaning and Maintenance

·       Strengthen collaboration between communities.

·       Enhance maintenance of biodigester toilets.

·       Increase awareness on the importance of proper sanitation.

Hygiene Promotion

·       Promote national awareness on the benefits of biodigester technology.

·       Encourage community-to-community outreach and hygiene education initiatives.

Key Outcomes

·       The Community WASH Work Plan was unanimously adopted by committee members, community leaders, and the local governor.

·       The acting leadership team was officially elected and mandated to begin implementation.

·       Communities committed to regular engagement and mutual accountability through the Network structure.

Words of Appreciation

Community representatives and partners expressed heartfelt appreciation to UYPETDL and WaterAid Liberia for their ongoing support in improving community sanitation.

MCC representative, Mr. Charles Okai, lauded the initiative, noting that “WASH is a vital part of our daily lives, and communities must take ownership of the facilities provided to them.”

Leaders from Neezoe, Central New Kru Town, and St. Kizito communities also thanked UYPETDL and WaterAid Liberia for their continuous partnership, pledging to work collaboratively to promote biodigester toilet use and sustainable WASH practices nationwide.

Moving Forward

The meeting marked a significant step toward community-driven sustainability of WASH facilities. Through strengthened leadership, improved accountability, and active collaboration, UYPETDL and its partners aim to ensure that every Liberian community enjoys clean, safe, and sustainable sanitation services.

This project is part of UYPETDL/WaterAid Liberia Urban WASH Governance project, intended to improve governance through advocacy for standardization and replication of models and to increase knowledge through awareness of and advocacy to support households adopt biodigester technology with funding support from Wessex.

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