The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has provided more than $700,000 in humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities in Liberia affected by disasters and economic hardship.
The intervention, implemented by the Liberian Red Cross Society in partnership with the Liberian National Disaster Management Agency, includes cash support, clean water facilities, sanitation services and agricultural assistance.
Acting Director of the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim, led a delegation to communities in Bong and Grand Cape Mount Counties to assess the impact of the programme.
In Bong County, residents whose homes were destroyed by floods received $250 each to help them meet immediate recovery needs.
The agricultural component is also supporting affected households to restore their livelihoods and improve their ability to provide for their families.
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In Grand Cape Mount County, the programme focused on water, sanitation and hygiene, including the installation of hand pumps to provide communities with safer and more reliable sources of drinking water.
During the monitoring visit, beneficiaries urged ECOWAS to ensure that humanitarian support reaches vulnerable groups, particularly elderly people and others severely affected by poverty and disasters.
Ibrahim said the intervention reflected ECOWAS’ commitment to putting people at the centre of regional integration.
He said the programme demonstrated the organisation’s efforts to move beyond policies and deliver practical assistance that improves the lives of citizens.
The initiative is expected to help affected communities recover from disasters, strengthen their resilience and rebuild sustainable livelihoods.
