The guidelines for water and sanitation services in Liberia

Many years before 2007, the implementation of water, sanitation and hygiene activities was un-guided by standards, with the main implementer being the public sector. At the same time technology options were equally limited, whereas hygiene issues were at their lowest ebb. Much has transpired with more technology options, the involvement of private and non-governmental organizations leading the implementation of WASH activities. This should in its true application place more authority in the hands of the public institutions to leverage resources into monitoring, supervision and evaluation. In order to perform this important role, standards need to be established and agreed upon for effective monitoring and enforcement for the good of the Liberian population. Such standards must exhibit best practices and be state of the art. In 1999, the first of any attempt to organize standards to govern WASH activities were introduced into the sector. These were later modified in 2004, with mere considerations on alternative designs for sanitation facilities without recommending additional options for facilities. A review of both documents proved limitations and thus a unanimous attempt to broaden the scope the combined guidelines to incorporate other options was agreed. The Water and Sanitation Technical Guidelines is aiming at covering a large territory of options for implementing water and sanitation activities in Liberia, with the necessary hygiene components being the foundation for achieving success. The Guidelines are meant to be used as tools for technicians, as a guideline for monitors and evaluators and for decision-makers. [authors abstract]