An overview of capacity development efforts in Liberia's water, sanitation and hygiene sector

Abstract

Liberia is a fragile state and is classified as such due to weaknesses in its institutions, capacity and the presence of United Nations peace keepers, among other considerations. Liberia is but one of many other fragile states that account for a quarter of the world's population. This is a sobering figure and one that calls for concerted efforts to improve the quality of life for citizens in these countries. Liberia's civil war affected all sectors, water and sanitation included. The water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector is an avenue that can contribute to enhancing the stability of the country, as service provision is a hallmark of a good and well-functioning state. This paper looks at the efforts the country has made at rebuilding the WASH sector. It highlights the recently launched Capacity Development Plan (2012–2017) as a road map for the country. Monitoring and evaluation is examined as one area where the sector should make concerted efforts, due to its importance. The paper notes that improving the sector will call for overall improvement of the labour force who staff the ministries and that New Public Management approaches can be considered. The paper also shows that US$74 m is needed to develop the sector's capacity.