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. 