Alerts Sign-up
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), has funded a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project to benefit over 7,000 residents in the Red Hill Community of Paynesville, Montserrado County, Liberia. The initiative was officially handed over on May 2, 2025.
The water system features a large tower supported by two boreholes for water supply. It includes four kiosks for distribution throughout the community and uses solar panels to power the pumps. An automatic chlorine system treats the extracted water.
During the handover ceremony on May 2, Honorable Sekou Kanneh, district lawmaker, cut the ribbon to mark the formal transfer of the facility. The event took place on land donated by community members Nyan Brown and his wife. Among those present were Madam Nyamah Lablah, community chairperson; Elder Prince S. Nyanforh from Liberia; Elder and Sister Haddock as senior humanitarian missionaries; full-time missionaries in the area; and several government and business officials.
Madam Lablah expressed gratitude towards all contributors: “You people made our dream come through... Water is life; we want to thank the Latter-day Saints family, the CRS, and all who have worked tirelessly to bring life to our community.” She highlighted past struggles with limited access to water which affected children's school attendance.
Salomie Weah, CPD National Director, participated in a water-tasting exercise during the celebration. Theophilus Davis from CRS described it as their “biggest, improved and modernized” WASH project yet.
Elder Haddock acknowledged everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition: “We’re happy that we could serve you today.” He emphasized that funding came from sacred donations by Church members globally dedicated to aiding communities in need.
Davis also thanked local organizations such as ECREP Liberia, Premier Construction Group, and LWSC for their support. The ceremony concluded with youth performances, recognition of land donors Mr. & Mrs. Brown through gowning ceremonies alongside ribbon-cutting events followed by tours around new facilities.
