Monrovia – The Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), Mohammed Ali, has raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the 70-year-old transmission lines supplying water to thousands of citizens in Monrovia and other parts of the country.
Ali noted that the aged infrastructure is under immense pressure due to population growth and increased water demand, resulting in frequent ruptures and severe leakages. Speaking on the OK Morning Rush Show on OK FM 99.5 in Monrovia on Monday, Ali stated that the outdated lines cannot withstand the force of daily use.
By Obediah Johnson, [email protected]
“Our infrastructure—the water transmission lines—are very old, about 70 years old. The increased population and pressure on supply are taking a toll on them. These challenges significantly affect our operations at the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC),” he said.
Financial and Operational Constraints
Ali highlighted other challenges, including overstaffing, which he said has stretched the corporation’s wage bill to over $350,000 monthly, while revenue generation from customers ranges between $150,000 and $175,000.
Additionally, the LWSC spends more than $700,000 annually on energy for its White Plains facility alone and approximately $1 million for water purification. This financial burden has resulted in an annual deficit of $6 to $7 million, compelling the corporation to seek subsidies from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
Ali emphasized the need for reform to reduce dependence on government support. He revealed that the lack of employee motivation and inadequate infrastructure had previously hindered operations. For example, some substations were non-functional, and water supply was irregular due to inconsistent electricity from the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC).
Infrastructure Challenges
Ali disclosed that sewage lines in Monrovia and surrounding areas had not been properly maintained for years, leading to frequent waste spills. The Bushrod Island sewage system, for instance, had been neglected for an extended period. The LWSC’s warehouses in Fiamah, Sinkor, and its head offices were also in poor condition.
Efforts to improve water supply have included increasing daily production from 4-5 million gallons to 10.4 million gallons, largely due to extended working hours by engineers. However, challenges remain, including the damaged city reservoir, which has limited water supply to central Monrovia.
Ali revealed that repairs to the reservoir, with an initial capacity of one million gallons, are underway following an assessment conducted by the government and engagement with the World Bank. The cost of repairs is estimated at over $40,000.
Plans for the Future
Despite the obstacles, Ali expressed optimism about the LWSC’s efforts to improve operations. The corporation has regularized water supply schedules in Central Monrovia and minimized leaks in key pipelines. Additionally, the LWSC has hired a vendor through proper procedures to provide water treatment chemicals on credit and engaged the LEC to ensure stable electricity for water treatment plants.
“The first day we commissioned water supply, there were leaks everywhere. Our next challenge was to minimize those leaks. Now, at least, we can supply water daily on a schedule,” Ali said.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of reforms and investments in infrastructure to ensure consistent water supply and sustainable operations for the LWSC.
