The Deputy Director for Technical Services at the Liberia Water and Sewerage Corporation (LWSC), Patrick Sandikie, has revealed that the ongoing demolition exercise carried out by LWSC and the Ministry of Public Works was prompted by the public’s abuse of the utility sewage outlets built across Monrovia.
Sandikie explained that the act of constructing buildings on the land areas designated long ago for the country’s sewage system is a clear violation that has led to the city being flooded with leaky sewage and inadequate access to piped water.
He further explained that these encroachments, which have occurred over time, are now a major challenge for the Sewage and Water Control system in Liberia.
“These areas were set aside to ensure proper sewage management and water distribution, but with structures built on them, access to these utilities has been blocked, worsening the sanitation situation in the city,” Sandikie emphasized.
The Liberia Water and Sewage Corporation, along with the Ministry of Public Works and other line government entities, have already begun demolishing some of the illegal structures around Monrovia. However, more support is expected to be directed toward the corporation to restore order in the city as soon as possible.
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, this paper, alongside other media houses, toured some of the sites that have been demolished by the government as part of the process to assess the pace and progress of the exercise.
During the tour, Sandikie elaborated on the necessity of the demolition, asserting that the long-standing complaints from Liberians about filthiness of the city stem directly from the fact that individuals stubbornly constructed buildings on areas set aside for sewage and water lines.
According to Sandikie, private citizens, businesses, and public corporations have erected large structures along sewage lines and water pipes intended for public use.
“The layout of the city includes a 15-foot land space allocated by law for the installation of sewage lines and water pipes. This space allows for easy access to maintain and monitor the systems and connect the public to utilities,” he explained.
The Deputy Director noted that the space, which runs between major streets from corner to corner, has been encroached upon by building owners, making it difficult for LWSC to access and service the pipes.
“We cannot maintain or connect new public services because these buildings are blocking the access that is crucial for the effective functioning of the utilities,” Sandikie stated.
While major areas have already been affected, the demolition process still has more than half of Monrovia to address in order to reach the buried sewage and water lines that have been covered by structures.
Sandikie emphasized that many of the individuals who have constructed buildings in the designated spaces failed to heed an earlier stay order placed on their constructions.
Sandikie assured that the government, through LWSC, will continue to enforce the demolition process to ensure that the public water supply and waste management systems are restored before the rainy season, which could complicate the process further.
“This exercise is crucial for Liberia’s development and for creating a healthy city. We have a plan in place to complete this project within the next three months, as it is critical to address these issues before the rainy season starts,” Sandikie added. “The structures are being moved, and the rehabilitation process will begin soon.”
He also cautioned property owners situated in marked areas to vacate or carry out self-demolition to avoid their homes being heavily impacted by the machinery that will resume work in the areas of concern.
The tour visited various streets across Monrovia and identified key structures built on public utility channels, including the Monrovia City Police Station on Water Street and City Builders Store on Randell Street.
These entities, along with several others, have knowingly built on areas designated for water and sewage lines.