Yarkpah Town, Rivercess County – The Government of Liberia (GoL), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has officially unveiled a modern water infrastructure facility in Yarkpah Town, Rivercess County. This project is part of the Accelerated Community Development Programme (ACDP), aimed at enhancing access to essential services in underserved areas.
The opening ceremony, held on September 30, 2025, gathered government officials, development partners, community leaders, and residents, who celebrated the new facility as a step toward a healthier and more sustainable future. Rivercess County Superintendent Byron Zahnwea expressed appreciation to UNDP and the National Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Commission for their dedication to providing safe drinking water.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to UNDP and the WASH Commission for recognizing that water is life, Superintendent Zahnwea said, pledging to protect and maintain thisinfrastructure so our people can benefit for years to come.” He emphasized the significance of community ownership and sustainability, noting that local authorities would lead the way in managing the facility.
“As representatives of the Republic of Liberia, we understand that community engagement is key to any development project. Our partners might not always be here, so it is our duty to monitor, manage, and sustain these initiatives,” he added. UNDP Liberia Resident Representative a.i. Mr. Louis Kuukpen described the ACDP as a transformative program designed to uplift marginalized communities.
“Today marks a historic collaboration between the Government of Liberia and UNDP under the ACDP,” Mr. Kuukpen said. “This program is helping to lift communities out of poverty and improve lives through sustainable development.” He pointed out the tangible impacts of the infrastructure and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to expanding access to clean water across Liberia.
“Water is life. Clean drinking water helps fight disease, improves health, and strengthens community well-being,” Kuukpen noted. Dr. James K. Suah Jr., Deputy Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, praised the partnership and reiterated the government’s dedication to rural development.
“For too long, our communities have suffered from waterborne diseases. These solar-powered, chlorinated facilities will significantly reduce health risks and improve safety, especially for women and girls,” Dr. Suah said. He committed to replicating similar projects across other counties under the ACDP, which also focuses on agriculture, energy, education, health, and infrastructure.
Lula K. Wright, Executive Assistant at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, highlighted the broader benefits of access to safe water.
“Access to clean water is a fundamental right and a driver of public health, education, and economic growth. These solar-powered facilities promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact,” Madam Wright said.
She encouraged community members, especially the women, to take ownership of the infrastructure to ensure its long-term success. Representative Steve Tequah, Secretary of the Rivercess Legislative Caucus, also praised UNDP for the initiative.
“My dream for Rivercess is for our people to have safe drinking water, and today, that dream is becoming a reality,” Mr. Tequah said. He promised legislative support and stressed the importance of making sure government contributions to development partners are reflected in the upcoming 2026 national budget.
“Challenges will arise, but we must minimize them, so our people receive what they deserve,” he concluded.
Providing an overview of the project, ACDP Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst Yousouf Sanoe described the program as a flagship effort to meet the needs of Liberia’s most vulnerable rural populations.
Following a nationwide feasibility study, 35 to 40 of the poorest and most underserved communities were selected for initial intervention. A study tour to Senegal, Togo, and The Gambia helped shape the Liberian version of the program, based on the successful PUDC framework in francophone countries.
Key achievements of the project include:
• 5 climate-resilient boreholes for sustainable water access
• 5 elevated water towers with 4,000-gallon storage tanks and chlorination units
• 21 water kiosks reducing water collection time to just 10 minutes round trip
• Repair of 25 hand pumps in Gbarpolu and Rivercess, serving around 3,297 people In total, over 13,482 residents across beneficiary counties now have access to clean, safe drinking water.
