LOCAL NEWS
GRAND GEDEH COUNTY – Residents of Bargblor Town, located about 20 kilometers from Zwedru City in Grand Gedeh County, are grappling with a worsening water and sanitation crisis that community members say is posing serious health risks.
Despite its proximity to Zwedru, thousands of residents in the town lack access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation facilities, forcing many to rely on unsafe sources and open defecation.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue –trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Community members told the Liberia Excellent News Network (LENN) that the absence of safe drinking water and latrine facilities has exposed residents to various waterborne diseases, raising concerns about the wellbeing of women, children, and the elderly.
Youth leader of Bargblor Town, Cyrus W. Fiaho, said residents are currently drinking from a swamp pit that is not safe for human consumption.
Youth leader of Bargblor Town, Cyrus W. Fiaho
According to him, the situation becomes even more challenging during the dry season when the swamp pit often dries up, leaving residents with no option but to travel long distances in search of water.
“This community lacks public hand pumps and latrines. There is a need for the government to come in and help us. We are drinking from the swamp, and it is not good for us at all,” Fiaho told LENN.
He lamented that despite modernization in other parts of the country, the situation in Bargblor Town remains similar to practices of earlier generations.
“What the ancient people used to do back in the day is the same thing we are doing. So there is a need for intervention,” he added.
Fiaho further noted that the lack of sanitation facilities has forced residents to defecate in nearby bushes, a situation he described as humiliating and dangerous, particularly for women and children.
He emphasized that during the dry season, women and children often walk long distances in search of water, exposing them to various risks.
Bargblor Town
“It is embarrassing for our women and children to go far distances to fetch water. At the same time, we do not have latrines, so people are using bushes. This is terrible for the women and children in this town,” he said.
The youth leader is now calling on the government and humanitarian organizations to urgently intervene by providing safe drinking water and sanitation facilities for the community.
“At least we need some non-governmental organizations to come in and help us if the government is unable to do so. We cannot continue to allow our women to use the bushes. It is a serious crisis that needs urgent attention,” Fiaho stressed.
Residents hope that authorities and development partners will respond quickly to their appeal to prevent further health complications in the community.
