Sustainability factors for water points in Liberia

As part of a WaSH Consortium in Liberia, Action contre la Faim carried out an exhaustive survey of water points in three counties of Liberia. Besides serving as a baseline of information in postwar Liberia, and thus filling a gap of information, the results of the survey highlight the link between the creation of communitybased operation and maintenance systems, including access to spare parts for hand pumps, and the sustainability of the water points. The difference amongst counties is significant, and the water coverage could be improved through improving these sustainability mechanisms, and choosing the appropriate mechanism according to the village and town size, and cohesion of the community. Stakeholders have a clear responsibility in constructing technically sustainable water points, but also ensuring the operation and maintenance systems are in place. The survey shows that the improvement of sustainability mechanisms on already existing infrastructure could provide drinking water for 234,000 people.