GBARNGA, Bong – The Rotary Club of Gbarnga, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Towsontowne in the United States, has constructed a latrine and a hand pump for residents of Brooklyn Community in Gbarnga.
The two projects cost “slightly more than US$5,000,†according to Victor Padmore, the project manager.
The outgoing president of the Gbarnga Rotary Club, Rupert Surian, said the projects were done to help cater to the needs of citizens of the community.
The pump does not supply water for domestic use because the pump and latrine are located too close to a cemetery, rather, it’s purpose is to supply water for flushing the toilet.
“Our club has always strived to meet the needs and aspirations of communities, and we were able to reach your community,†Surian told residents.
The outgoing president of the Gbarnga Rotary Club, Rupert Surian. Photo: Moses Bailey.
Surian wants the community’s leaders to work with residents to maintain the facility to ensure that it lasts for a long time.
He hailed the contributions of the Rotary Club of Towsontowne and his own club for their financial, material, and moral support.
Surian also said he appreciated the efforts of the Gbarnga City Corporation and residents of Brooklyn Community for providing the land for the projects.
“We hope this community will take ownership of this project; it is your project. We pray that you make good use of this project, take it as your own,†he said.
Failed with excitement, Mabel Malayea, the community chairperson of Brooklyn, lauded the Gbarnga Rotary Club and partners for the project. She affirmed her community’s commitment to maintaining the facility.
“We promise you that the money you have invested here will not be in vain; we will use it wisely and our community will be an example for maintaining such a facility,†Malayea noted.
Community chairperson of Brooklyn, Mabel Malayea. Photo: Moses Bailey.
The eight-room latrine and pump are in addition to several other community projects the Gbarnga Rotary Club has undertaken in Bong, according to Surian.
He named Gbalatuah and Balama in Bong’s fourth and fifth districts, respectively, as towns that have benefitted from similar initiatives in the past.
Rupert said the club has also distributed eyeglasses in several towns along the St. Paul River in Bong to citizens who are facing river blindness.
Featured photo by Moses Bailey
