Residents of Clara Town, a densely populated community in central Monrovia, are grappling with severe water shortage and inadequate waste management, thereby causing serious health crisis in the area. With approximately 65,000 inhabitants, the neighborhood is in dire need of basic facilities such as clean drinking water, proper sanitation and effective waste disposal. Varney M. Kiahon, a local resident of the community expressed his frustration over the growing wave of the situation among community members; adding, “The issue is getting serious day by day.” He pointed out that many water facilities which was constructed by the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) in the area have fallen into disrepair, thus becoming non-functional for nearly three years. Oldman Kiahon noted that as a result of the situation, contaminated water from poorly maintained public toilets have polluted many homes, leading to waterborne diseases. To meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for water access, Liberia aimed to increase safe drinking water services to 85% by 2023, and yet, the reality remains stark, with access to safe drinking water supply has falling below 4% nationally, with rural areas amounting to less than 1% having access to safe drinking water. The situation is particularly dire for women and children, who bear the brunt of the water crisis. Kiahon highlighted that out of 42 water points constructed in District #14, Clara Town only benefited from 16, and of that, 8 are currently operational. This has led to fears of a possible outbreak of waterborne disease. Makuba Norris, a businesswoman who has lived in the Doe community for over three decade, echoed these sentiments, “Since I moved here, the issue of water and sanitation has been a major challenge,” she said. “The decline in available safe drinking water has forced many residents to rely on expensive bottled water, which is a heavy financial burden for low-income families.” The situation worsened when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) demolished public latrines situated too close to water sources, leaving many residents with no choice but to resort to open defecation. Norris lamented, “Women, especially, face serious health risks with the lack of proper sanitation facilities.” Despite Liberia’s abundant water resources, nearly 90% of its population lacks access to safe drinking water. UNICEF reports that sanitation in Liberia is critically poor, with 42% of the population practicing open defecation. Community leaders have sought assistance from various stakeholders, including the WASH Commission, to address the pressing issues. However, funding remains a significant obstacle. The national budget for the WASH Commission for 2024 is a mere US$891,200, a far cry from the estimated US$201 million needed annually to meet the SDGs. George Yarngo, CEO of the National Water Sanitation and Hygiene Commission, stated that the budget constraints hinder effective operations and called for a dedicated institution to oversee WASH activities nationwide. Health professionals in the area, such as Koffa J. Nagbe, OIC of the Lone Public Clinic, noted that 15% of the illnesses treated at the facility are waterborne diseases, highlighting the urgent need for improved water and sanitation facilities. The LWSC acknowledged the funding challenges it faces in maintaining water infrastructure. Communication Director Nimpson Todd emphasized the need for community awareness regarding the importance of safe water usage and maintenance. As the residents of Clara Town continue to endure these harsh conditions, they are appealing for immediate government’s intervention and support from international partners.