WaterAid Country Rep Patrick Cheah, demonstrating the use of the hand Washing facility in one of the community
As part of its commitment to respond to the deadly virus, one of the humanitarian organizations in the country, “WaterAid- Sierra Leone” has provided WASH facilitates to address some of the many challenges people face in the midst of Corona Virus at community level.
Speaking to a team of WASH Media members from both print and the electronic media in Bo, the Project Manager WaterAid, Patrick Musa underscored the importance of WaterAid intervention at community level. He said their mandate is to provide support to the most deprived and vulnerable communities, schools and health facilities.
The Manager noted that COVID19 is a disease which has affected the world and Sierra Leone is not an exception. He pointed out that they were able to provide, hand washing facilities, facemasks, liquid soap, sanitizers in 16 health care facilities, schools and 85 communities in Kenema, Pujehun and Kailahun 16 schools.
He said the fight against corona is all about washing of hands and public education in communities in which they have embarked on. He said there is a mixed perception by some people that corona does not exist and based on that wrong perception. This has created negative impact in the fight against the disease. He noted that despite the efforts of partners, individuals and government, there is still room for more advocacy especially in hard to reach areas.
He used the media to encourage everyone to strictly adhere to regulation in line with the COVID19 measures. He pointed out that as an organization, there is advocacy and other community engagements in order to break the barrier of disbelief. He encouraged everyone to adhere to the best hygiene practices in line with COVID19. He stated that this has been going on in collaboration with other sector players and key stakeholder to ensure inclusiveness and above all the messages to reach everyone everywhere.
He said their aim is to ensure that schools and community environments are safe including health centers. He provided a comprehensive background of WaterAid since 1961 to date. He said there were over 400 expatriate workers who do gravity system and hand dug well but now they work directly with local partners in order to take ownership and create room for sustainability when the project phases out.
