By Precious D. Freeman
The heart of Liberia’s capital, particularly the bustling commercial districts of Waterside and Broad Street, is in the throes of a severe public health crisis, as raw sewage floods the streets, creating a dangerous and unsanitary environment for those who frequent these areas.
Locals have long referred to this persistent problem as “pupu water,” a term used to describe the overflow of raw human waste that has become a grim part of daily life for many in the city.
For years, market vendors, business owners, and pedestrians in the Waterside district have had no choice but to navigate through streams of sewage, enduring the overwhelming stench and the constant threat of waterborne diseases.
Despite the clear danger to public health and the strain it places on the livelihoods of many, the authorities responsible for addressing such issues — including the Ministry of Public Works and the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) — have largely failed to respond effectively.
“This is shameful! We are selling in dirt and waste every day; how can a city operate like this?” exclaimed a visibly distressed vendor, her voice tinged with frustration and despair.
Her sentiments are shared by many others who endure the appalling conditions daily, struggling to make a living while surrounded by filth.
The sewage overflow is not just a nuisance; it is a major public health hazard. The persistent contamination of the environment increases the risk of outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever, which are commonly spread through unsanitary water sources. Yet, in spite of these grave risks, little has been done to address the issue in a meaningful way.
As the rainy season looms, residents and business owners are bracing themselves for an even worse scenario.
The anticipated increase in rainfall is expected to exacerbate the already overwhelming sewage problem, potentially turning the already dire situation into a full-blown crisis.
Many fear that the increased surface flood will further expose the weaknesses in Monrovia’s drainage systems, which have long been unable to cope with the demands of the urban population.
“We’re already living in filth, and it’s only going to get worse. It feels like the government is turning a blind eye,” said Ben Kollie, a vendor on Broad Street who has been forced to conduct his business amidst the stench of raw sewage. “They collect money from us every day, but what do we get in return? Nothing but ‘pupu water.’”
Kollie’s frustration speaks to a growing sense of betrayal among the community.
Many business owners feel that they are being taken advantage of, as they are subjected to daily fees and taxes while receiving no visible improvements in the city’s sanitation or infrastructure.
The revenue collected by the city does not seem to be reflected in any tangible investments in basic public services, especially sanitation.
In the face of government inaction, residents and business owners have made a direct appeal to President Joseph Boakai, urging him to visit the affected areas personally.
They hope that by witnessing the extent of their suffering firsthand, the President will be motivated to take immediate action to resolve the crisis.
The dire sanitation situation in Monrovia has cast a dark shadow over the government’s broader efforts to revitalize the nation.
The widespread frustration among citizens is compounded by the belief that the government’s much-publicized “rescue mission” is little more than empty rhetoric.
Many feel abandoned by the state, trapped in an increasingly unsanitary and unsafe environment without any meaningful intervention or support.
“This has been going on for years,” lamented another vendor in Waterside. “The city is falling apart, and no one is doing anything about it. We can’t keep living like this.”
The residents are calling for comprehensive and long-term infrastructural reforms to the city’s drainage and sanitation systems.
They argue that only by addressing the root causes of the sewage overflow including outdated infrastructure, poor waste management practices, and inadequate government oversight can Monrovia hope to recover from this crisis.
The ongoing sanitation disaster not only threatens the health and well-being of residents but also risks tarnishing Liberia’s international reputation.
As the nation’s capital continues to grapple with these basic issues of sanitation, the world watches, and the potential for further harm to Liberia’s image as a developing nation is a growing concern.
For now, the people of Monrovia wait, their hopes pinned on urgent government action.
But as each day passes without a solution, their frustration grows, and the cries for help intensify.
Only time will tell if the government will answer those calls or if Monrovia’s residents will be forced to continue living in squalor.