Monrovia, Liberia: In a significant move to modernize Liberia’s water infrastructure, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) has commenced the replacement of a 70-year-old pipeline with newly imported 48-inch diameter transmission pipes.
Unveiled at the project site in Lower Johnsonville, this initiative aims to improve water delivery from the White Plains Water Treatment Plant to Paynesville and central Monrovia, ultimately benefiting over 1.5 million residents.
LWSC Managing Director Mo Ali emphasized the transformative impact of this project, stating that it marks a transition from frequent ruptures associated with the aging 36-inch pipeline to a period of reliable, high-pressure water supply. He highlighted that the original pipes, installed in 1953, have been in service for over seven decades, underscoring the urgency of this upgrade.
The project is funded through a collaboration between the Government of Liberia and the World Bank, with initial efforts dating back to 2016. It began with a US$10 million grant during the administration of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, followed by an additional US$30 million financing under President George Weah.
Despite previous delays due to contractual and implementation challenges, the current administration has successfully renegotiated terms to resume work, focusing on replacing 10 kilometers of the pipeline at a cost of US$12.4 million.
Deputy Managing Director for Technical Services at LWSC, Patrick Sandike, Deputy Managing Director for Technical Services at LWSC, provided insights into the engineering aspects of the project, noting that the Johnsonville site serves as both a storage and fabrication area. The site is utilized for the ongoing production of concrete covers for manholes and valve chambers.
Sandike also mentioned that excavation has begun along parts of the route, with plans to start laying the initial 5 kilometers toward the plant in the coming days.
The new ductile iron pipes, manufactured in China, are designed for durability and are expected to last between 75 to 100 years. The project marks a substantial improvement over the previous rust-prone iron pipes, ensuring a more resilient water supply system for future generations.
LWSC Project Engineer Samuel Forkpa Davies highlighted the logistical challenges faced, including delays in offloading shipments at the Freeport of Monrovia.
He credited President Joseph Boakai for his direct intervention in prioritizing the offloading process, which facilitated the timely arrival of over 400 pieces of pipe at the project site.
Davies emphasized that engineers are working around the clock to keep the project on schedule, with regular meetings involving all stakeholders to monitor progress and address any setbacks.
This pipeline replacement project represents a critical step toward enhancing Monrovia’s water infrastructure, promising improved reliability and pressure in water delivery for the city’s residents.
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