FACE Africa launches County-by-County handpumps project in River Cess County, Liberia

Jan. 31, 2013 - PRLog -- On Saturday, January 26, the non-profit organization FACE Africa held a ground-breaking ceremony in Semgblog’s Town, Timbo District, River Cess County to officially kick-off the organization’s County-by-County initiative.

Through its County-by-County program, FACE Africa plans to construct approximately 250 clean water points in River Cess County by 2017. The initiative which was inaugurated in Semblog’s Town, home of the district’s Paramount Chief, will provide complete water coverage to the county, benefiting over 60,000 residents, and will ensure that River Cess meets the Liberian Government’s 250 persons per safe water point standard.

The first 5 handpumps to be built are all funded by the Voss Foundation through the Lene Maria for Rent Vann fundraising campaign. The locations of the handpumps are: 1) the new disabled compound in Cestos City constructed by the county, 2) the Gblosseo Community Clinic, 3) Toby Town, 4) Semgblog Town, and 5) the Neozuin Public School. These 5 projects will serve approximately 2,000 people.

FACE Africa has been working in Liberia since 2010 and has built hand pumps and latrines in Montserrado, Grand Bassa and Marghibi. In 2012 the organization’s founder, Ms. Saran Kaba Jones was appointed International Goodwill Ambassador of River Cess County in recognition of her commitment to clean water initiatives in Liberia that have benefited thousands of residents. River Cess is one of the most marginalized and under-served counties in water and sanitation and least likely to be served through the efforts of government and other agencies. Ms. Kaba Jones recognized the dire need for intervention and made it her organization’s mission to provide access to safe drinking water and improve the overall quality of life for the people of RiverCess.

Attending the ground-breaking ceremony in Semblog’s Town were: Ms. Saran Kaba Jones, Executive Director of FACE Africa, Mr. Emmett Wilson, Program Coordinator of FACE Africa, Mr. Jerome Smith, River Cess County Engineer, Mr. Alphonso Kebbeh, River Cess County Protocol, Mr. Saturday Zialu, River Cess County Information Officer, and members of GUDCA, the local development agency responsible for implementing the projects.

During the ground-breaking ceremony, Ms. Kaba Jones and the entire delegation stressed the need for community participation and ownership before, during and after project implementation. Residents of Semblog Town thanked the donor, Voss Foundation, FACE Africa, the River Cess County authorities and pledged their full support and commitment to the project.

For more information about FACE Africa, visit: www.faceafrica.org or email: contact@faceafrica.org.