A preliminary review of progress against the Compact commitments was made in September 2011. This second review was conducted by WaterAid and the UNDP Water Governance Facility at SIWI in October 2012. This review concludes that while the Compact has increased coordination and dialogue within the sector, it is clear that concrete progress against the majority of Compact commitments has been undermined by significant challenges. Renewed lobbying will be required to generate the political will needed to drive forward progress in outstanding areas, particularly among higher levels of Government. Donors and NGOs must also take responsibility for ensuring their support is aligned behind the priorities laid out in the Compact and the Sector Strategic Plan, and  should utilise national and international opportunities to encourage progress against the Compact commitments.

See the report here.

- The UNDP MDG GoAL WASH programme has played a key role in facilitating the Compact, bringing together a diversity of actors to commit to Sanitation and Water for All, says Alastair Morrison, Programme Manager for GoAL WaSH.

The National Water Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion Committee which operates under the leadership of the Liberian Ministry of Public Works writes:

Only two days after her inauguration, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia demonstrated her commitment to the health and well being of the nation by signing the Liberia WASH Compact. This endorsement is greatly appreciated by the WASH sector actors who wish to say, “Thank you,” to Her Excellency.

The Liberia WASH Compact is a document that maps out four priority areas which will ensure that citizens of Liberia have access to safe, clean water and improved sanitation facilities. These are in the form of the following commitments for sector stakeholders: to establish and strengthen the institutional capacity of the sector; to ensure equity and prioritized service provision; to develop a monitoring system; and to improve the financing mechanisms. The Compact was developed by a team that included representatives from government ministries, civil society, development partners, UN agencies and the private sector.

The Compact provides a clear action plan which, with the coordinated response of the WASH actors and the President’s endorsement, will result in increased efforts to improve water and sanitation facilities for the citizens of Liberia.

The National Water Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion Committee under the leadership of the Ministry of Public Works reiterates its continued support and commitment to implementing the compact and supporting Her Excellency in ending WASH poverty in Liberia.

The signed Liberia WASH Compact is available at http://www.washliberia.org/.

Published in Water Front Magazine No.1 2009.