By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – In a significant move to enhance access to safe drinking water, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) and the World Bank, has officially launched a project to connect 2,500 new households in Montserrado County. This initiative, part of the Liberia Urban Resilience Project (LURP), targets high-density, underserved communities such as Southern Paynesville and the Omega area, addressing critical challenges in urban water supply and sanitation.
Speaking at the launch event in Paynesville, LWSC Managing Director Mohammed Ali hailed the initiative as “a timely and strategic intervention” that will profoundly improve the lives of thousands of urban residents. “This project is more than a response to immediate water needs,” Ali stated. “It is a cornerstone of our long-term strategy to deliver reliable, sustainable water services in the face of growing urban demands and climate vulnerabilities.”
The US$1.49 million contract for the project has been awarded to Tengda Construction Ltd., a regional firm recognized for its strong track record in water and sanitation projects across West Africa. Implementation is set to begin immediately, with construction proceeding in phased segments over the coming months.
Public Works Minister Roland Lafayette Giddings, also present at the ceremony, underscored the vital role of water access in national development. “Clean water is not just a human right; it is essential for public health, economic productivity, and climate resilience,” Minister Giddings emphasized. “Today’s launch is an affirmation of the government’s commitment to delivering inclusive infrastructure that supports community well-being.”
This emergency water connection project is among the first tangible outcomes of LURP, a six-year, multi-sector initiative jointly implemented by the Government of Liberia and the World Bank. LURP is designed to address complex issues facing Liberia’s rapidly urbanizing communities, including inadequate service delivery, climate change impacts, poor drainage systems, and unregulated settlements.
A representative from the World Bank highlighted the crucial importance of partnerships in achieving impactful results. “Access to clean water is a lifeline,” the representative said. “This project demonstrates our shared commitment to building resilient, inclusive communities and improving the daily lives of ordinary Liberians.”
Officials confirmed that the 2,500 new water connections will prioritize areas with severe water stress and a high incidence of waterborne diseases, based on needs assessments conducted by the LWSC.
The announcement was met with considerable enthusiasm from local residents and community leaders who have long grappled with inconsistent or nonexistent access to potable water. “We’ve waited a long time for something like this,” said Esther Gweh, a resident of the Soul Clinic community in Paynesville. “It means fewer illnesses and more dignity for our families.” James Kollie, a community youth leader from Omega, echoed this sentiment, calling the project “a signal that government and partners are listening.” He added, “This is more than pipes and fittings; it’s about restoring hope, health, and dignity to thousands of Liberians who have been forgotten.”
The project will be jointly overseen by engineers from LWSC and independent monitors to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to technical standards. The World Bank will also provide periodic evaluations and technical support for effective implementation.
According to project documents, key deliverables will include not only the water connections but also public awareness campaigns on safe water usage, household meter installations, and training for local technicians to ensure ongoing maintenance. This initiative aligns closely with the Government of Liberia’s Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD), particularly Pillar Two, which prioritizes increased access to quality education, healthcare, and clean water for all Liberians, especially those in marginalized communities.
Officials at the launch stressed the need for continuous investment in essential public infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of climate change and support urban growth. “This project is not a one-off,” LWSC’s Mohammed Ali noted. “We’re already exploring similar expansions in Grand Bassa, Margibi, and other counties where water access remains a critical challenge.”
With mounting pressure from rapid urbanization, population growth, and environmental stressors, Liberia faces an urgent need to scale up infrastructure development in urban areas. The launch of this emergency water connection project is seen as a promising model for how cross-sector collaboration can deliver meaningful results for vulnerable populations.
Minister Giddings concluded the program with a call to sustain momentum. “Today is a clear example of what we can achieve when government, partners, and communities work together,” he said. “We are not just connecting pipes; we are connecting families to opportunity, safety, and a better future.”
The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation has urged communities to fully cooperate with field engineers and survey teams during the implementation period, emphasizing that success hinges on local ownership and participation. With work officially underway, thousands of households across Montserrado can now look forward to safer water, improved health, and renewed hope.