100 Days of Deliverables On Course …As LWSC Restores Water Supply to Monrovia

Amid daunting challenges due to the absence of any budgetary allocation as the 2024 Fiscal Budget was resubmitted to the National Legislature for action on the takeover of the Unity Party Alliance (UPA), the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation(LWSC) employed innovation to achieve a significant milestone with the restoration of water supply to Monrovia.

With water and sanitation being key components of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda (Agriculture, Road, Rule of Law, Sanitation and Tourism) and key among the government’s 100 Days of Deliverables, the Government of Liberia(GoL)  through LWSC under the stewardship of Managing Director Mohammed Ali succeeded in storing water to thousands of Monrovians with the official dedication of the rehabilitated one-million-gallon city reservoir up Ducor, Monrovia.

With the official dedication of the facility, water will now flow at various homes in Monrovia and all fire hydrants of the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) so as to ensure their prompt response to emergency fire outbreaks within Monrovia and its environs.

Speaking at the official dedicatory ceremony of the LWSC’s signature project on Thursday, May 23, 2024, MD Ali disclosed that the renovation process cost the Government of Liberia (GoL) US$42,000 with the funding made available by the World Bank, who also hired the contractors.

“The renovation came up to US$42,000. This was part of our 100-day deliverables, but it met some challenges because at the time the budget had not been passed. But this was our priority because water is an essential component of life. So, to achieve this, we went to the World Bank and sold this idea and the Bank responded positively to shoulder the responsibility. The World Bank then hired the contractor to rehabilitate this facility. We could not have done white plain because we could not get the temperature needed to pump the water effectively.’’

With water now going to be into the homes of residents of Monrovia,  Mr.Ali said  the leisure time at LWSC is over.

As he assures the LWSC’s robustness in delivering the basic service to the people, Mr. Ali wants employees to roll up their sleeves to ensure the registration of customers. 

“Time for sitting is over and walking about is over. This time, it’s time to ensure that water enters every home. We will start at new, meaning that all old bills are hereby cancelled. Therefore, have no fear in coming out to register.”

Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon lauded the LWSC under the administration of Mr. Ali for its farsightedness that has led to such a big accomplishment.

In an effort to spur more resources for the sustenance of the entity and to contribute to government’s coffers, Sen. Dillon wants LWSC to work without fear or favor by disconnecting any customers who tend to be delinquent in paying their bills.

“You came to give life and revise hope of Liberians. Water is very important; it's a source of economic growth. My advice to you here is, don't hesitate to begin cutting people off who fail to pay their bills. Cut the Mansion or Capitol Building off if they refuse to pay. I mean, start with the big people who refuse to pay their water bill. Cut off all business entities if they fail. Have no fear or favor in the discharge of your duty,” Sen. Dillon cautioned.  

The Montserrado Senator then urged LWSC to work on the possibility of expanding across Montserrado and the country at large.

Montserrado County Superintendent Whroway Bryant, Montserrado Electoral District #7 Representative Emmanuel Dahn, and  Emmanuel Farr, Deputy Director General for Administration at LNFS also extolled the LWSC for the tremendous work done in the short period of time.

The Deputy LSWC boss maintained that the move of the LWSC will significantly boost the work of the fire service.

“There are some visionary Liberians who want to do more but need support. People like Ali at the LSWSC needs more money. We must redirect resources where it belongs and entity such as the LWSC must be honored,” Representative Dahn told gathered.