Rep. Koffa Launches Safe Drinking Project in Grand Kru

Of the 57,913 (LISGIS 2008) people recorded in Grand Kru County during the Housing and Population Census of 2008, a huge portion of this population in District #2 represented by Deputy Speaker, J. Fonati Koffa, is to shortly benefit from 33 hand pumps.

Grand Kru is one of the poorest counties in the southeast that is isolated as a result of deplorable road conditions. 

The project according to Chris Joboe, Constituency Coordinator, will be carried out in 29 communities within the district.

Joboe told the people of the district that the construction of hand pumps is in fulfilment of promises made by Cllr. Koffa during his most recent tour in 45 communities within the district.

The cost of the 33 hand pumps is US$106,228 and, according to Joboe, the handpumps project will play a significant role in the lives of the citizens, where facilities are rarely seen in most parts of the county and the southeastern belt in general.

“The construction and installation of the hand pumps and other projects by the Honorable Deputy Speaker will significantly impact the lives of citizens across the entire District,” Joboe stated.

Coordinator Joboe indicated that the long awaited safe drinking water project in the 29 Communities is about to be launched, adding that all have been finalized to ensure that project is implemented.

“Cllr. Koffa remains the source of hope for you in District 2 and the county in general, and whenever he makes a promise, he always ensures to fulfill it. I can say for the record that he is a leader who cares for his constituents and the records are there," said Joboe.

The desire for development and improvement is high and imperative in Liberia; however, what remains frustrating is the fact that community members, most of the time, fail to take ownership of projects and infrastructures that are provided to them.

While the project is about to commence, Mr. Joboe is calling on citizens of District 2, Grand Kru County, to rally their support around Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa to ensure that it is implemented and they take ownership of it when completed.

Joboe clarified that the monthly wages and salaries of lawmakers in the 54th Legislature cannot fund a project of such huge financial cost. Therefore, citizens of the district must realize that their lawmaker finances much of what he does directly.

“To get this project started, Cllr. Koffa had to go in his own pocket because we are all aware since the inception of this new government, there has been no legislative funded project due to financial constraint,” Joboe stated.

The indoor program of the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the project was held at the Methodist Church in Felorken, Harrisville City, Grand Kru County. 

At the ceremony, Coordinator Chris Joboe further informed the people that the project is divided into three phases. The first phase is expected to target two Statutory Districts that include Barclayville and Dorbor, respectively.

In Barclayville Statutory District, five Communities are captured -- Felorken Harrisville, Small Seen, BeSwen, Topor and Upper Felenken, benefiting one hand pump each; while in Dorbor District has Warkpo, Nyenkupo, kpo, Barforwin and New Town are selected to benefit a hand pump each.

The Ground Breaking Ceremony was attended by Grand Kru County Superintendent, Madam Doris Ylatun, who admonished residents to take ownership of the project, describing it as a “milestone” intervention.

She lauded the Lawmaker for making a huge impact in the life of the people he represents.

Following the end of the Ground Breaking Ceremony, citizens of Felorken appreciated Cllr. Koffa for hearing their cry. According to them, for too long they have struggled to have access to safe drinking water and have long awaited such a moment.

Some lamented that they had to fetch water from long distances and in most cases; the water they fetch is not safe for drinking.

“We have suffered. Yes, we get unsafe drinking water from far places that is dangerous for our health,” Annie Gray, mother of two, lamented.

A local construction company named KRF, based in Barclayville, will construct the 33 hand pumps.