By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – April 3, 2025: The heart of Liberia’s capital, particularly the bustling commercial districts of Waterside and Broad Street, is facing a severe public health crisis as raw sewage persistently floods the streets. This dire situation, commonly referred to as “pupu water” by locals, has created appalling and unsanitary conditions for the numerous vendors and pedestrians who frequent these areas daily.
For years, market women and business owners operating in the Waterside area have been forced to endure these unbearable conditions, navigating through streams of human waste and the associated stench. Despite the clear and present danger to public health and the detrimental impact on livelihoods, authorities at the Ministry of Public Works and the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) have seemingly remained unresponsive to the growing crisis.
“This is shameful! We are selling in dirt and waste every day; how can a city operate like this?” exclaimed a visibly distressed vendor in Waterside, echoing the sentiments of many who are struggling to earn a living amidst the filth. The pervasive sewage poses significant health risks, raising concerns about the potential for outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
With the impending rainy season, residents and business owners fear a dramatic worsening of the already catastrophic situation. The increased rainfall is expected to exacerbate the overflowing sewage problem, further exposing the inadequacies of Monrovia’s drainage and overall sanitation management infrastructure. The current state of affairs highlights long-standing issues with the city’s waste and water management systems, which appear unable to cope with the demands of the urban population.
In a desperate plea for intervention, residents and business owners are now directly appealing to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to personally visit the affected areas. They hope that witnessing their daily suffering firsthand will compel the government to take immediate and effective action.
The current state of affairs casts a shadow over the government’s widely publicized “rescue mission,” as many citizens feel abandoned and trapped in increasingly squalid conditions without any tangible intervention to alleviate their plight. The frustration is palpable, with many questioning the government’s priorities and its ability to address fundamental issues affecting the lives and well-being of its citizens.
Instead of relying on temporary and inadequate fixes, the community is demanding that authorities prioritize comprehensive and long-term infrastructural reforms. They argue that only a sustained commitment to overhauling Monrovia’s drainage and sanitation systems can prevent the capital city from descending further into filth and decay.
“This has been going on for years,” lamented Jerry Sumo, a vendor conducting his business on Broad Street amidst the sewage. “They collect money from us every day, but what do we get in return? Nothing but pupu water.” This sentiment underscores a deep-seated frustration and a demand for accountability regarding how revenue collected by city authorities is being utilized. The vendors and residents believe they are not receiving adequate services in return for the fees and taxes they contribute.
The ongoing sanitation crisis in Monrovia is not only a public health emergency but also risks tarnishing Liberia’s international image. Without urgent and decisive intervention, the nation’s capital faces the grim prospect of becoming both a public health disaster and an international embarrassment, further hindering its progress and development. The cries for help from the affected communities underscore the urgent need for the government to prioritize sanitation and invest in the necessary infrastructure to ensure a healthy and dignified living environment for all its citizens.
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