Bopolu, Gbarpolu County – September 28, 2025… In a landmark ceremony held at the Bopolu Youth Center, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Liberia officially dedicated newly constructed solar-powered water facilities in Gbarpolu County on September 24, 2025.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to improve access to clean water and promote sustainable rural development.
The people of Yarpah Town in Rivercess County will also benefit from a similar initiative, with the dedication slated for September 30, 2005.
A Lifeline for Rural Liberia
Representing President Joseph N. Boakai at the dedication of the facilities in Bopolu, Patrick N. Sandikie, Deputy Managing Director for Technical Services at the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation, described the dedication as a “lifeline” for rural communities.
“We are handing over health, dignity, and a brighter future. This aligns with Strategic Policy 21 of the President’s ARRBST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), which ensures no Liberian is left behind.”
Mr. Sandikie extended gratitude to UNDP. “Speaking on behalf of the President and the people of Liberia, I extend our deepest gratitude to the United Nations in Liberia and the entire UNDP team. Your commitment to co-financing this vital project with the Government of Liberia demonstrates a shared vision for a more prosperous and equitable Liberia.”
He emphasized that while the achievement is remarkable, the work is far from over. “This is, not just a gift to you; it is a shared responsibility. The sustainability of this vital infrastructure lies squarely in your hands. I challenge every one of you, the chiefs, elders, women, and youth, to take full ownership of these facilities; they are yours.”
Sandike urged communities to protect the facilities from damage and misuse, maintain them through local water committees, and embrace the spirit of self-reliance the project represents.
“Let’s work together to ensure that this water system serves your communities for generations to come. Let’s make this a model for other communities across the country.
Let this be a testament to what we can achieve when we unite and take charge of our own destiny.” He concluded by reaffirming President Boakai’s commitment to ending multidimensional poverty and inequality.
“The President believes that the true wealth of our nation lies in the well-being of its people.
We will continue to work tirelessly to bring development to every corner of Liberia, because every Liberian deserves a life of dignity and opportunity.”
Local Leaders Call for Stewardship and Expansion
Gbarpolu County Superintendent Sam Zinnah expressed heartfelt appreciation for the new water facilities, describing them as “a great blessing for our people.”
“We are overwhelmingly happy for this project, but we must also understand that its success depends on us. We, the beneficiaries, have the responsibility to take care of it.”
He reminded residents that the facilities were made possible through the generosity of international donors,” Zinnah said.
“There are people in other countries who work hard for their own money and still decide to send a little to help us. They give so we can have projects like this. So, we cannot allow something small to spoil and then wait for UNDP to come back and fix it,” he noted.
Zinnah concluded with a call for community stewardship. “This project is for us. We must take responsibility and maintain it.”
Senator Botoe Kanneh also praised the initiative, noting its reach into underserved areas.
“I saw something today, the UNDP is reaching the poorest communities. But we need more.
This should not stop at Bopolu District,” Senator Kanneh urged, calling for expansion to other parts of the county.
Beyond Water: ACDP’s Broader Impact
Speaking at the event, UNDP Liberia Resident Representative a.i., Mr. Louis Kuukpen, emphasized the transformative impact of the project.
“Today, we are not just handing over infrastructure, we are handing over hope, resilience, and progress,” he said. “Access to clean and safe water is a basic human right and a cornerstone of dignity, health, and opportunity.”
Mr. Kuukpen highlighted the collaborative efforts behind the project, crediting the Ministries of Public Works and Development Planning, the National WASH Commission, the Cooperative Development Agency (CDA), local communities, and partners such as UNIDO for their roles in making the facilities sustainable, inclusive, and community-owned.
The water facilities are part of the Accelerated Community Development Programme (ACDP) a flagship initiative of the Liberian government supported by UNDP and other partners.
The ACDP aims to transform rural communities by delivering essential services, creating jobs, and reducing inequalities.
Mr. Kuukpen detailed several achievements under the ACDP including:
- The establishment and transformation of 12 Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) into cooperatives.
- Distribution of 14 tractors/trailers and processing equipment to farming cooperatives in six counties.
- Provision of modern farming tools to over 2,400 farmers.
- Training of 148 cooperative members (75 men, 73 women) in governance and financial management.
- Issuance of $20,000 USD start-up grants to each cooperative, with two mini field offices already completed in Mardina and Farwheinta.
- Donation of 16 Yamaha motorbikes (valued at over $50,000 USD) to support agricultural extension services,
- And the distribution of over 4,000 kg of improved seeds (rice, beans, maize) to enhance food security.
In the health sector, the ACDP has donated seven ambulances to the Ministry of Health, deployed across seven counties, facilitating 340 emergency transports between July and December 2024.
UNDP is also partnering with the Ministry of Health and Tellewoyan Hospital in Voinjama City for a full renovation and equipment upgrade.
Since 2023, UNDP and the Government of Liberia have invested over $4 million USD in the ACDP, with over $300,000 USD allocated specifically to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions.
“These facilities will serve thousands, reducing waterborne diseases, improving hygiene, and freeing up time, especially for women and children, to pursue education, livelihoods, and personal growth,” Mr. Kuukpen added.
He extended heartfelt thanks to engineers, contractors, and community volunteers, urging residents to take ownership and maintain the systems.
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