By Grace Q. Bryant
The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) has announced plans to demolish illegal structures obstructing water and sewer lines in Monrovia and its surrounding areas.
The corporation’s Managing Director, Mohammed Ali, made the declaration during a recent press conference at the Ministry of Information, emphasizing that these encroachments are significantly hindering service delivery.
Ali stated that his administration has faced several challenges, including the irregular water supply due to outdated infrastructure and technical failures at major water stations
“Deterioration at the White Plains Water Treatment Plant, particularly the absence of a chlorination system, is discouraging major customers from using LWSC’s water.”
However, the most urgent issue, according to Ali, is the proliferation of illegal structures on sewer and water pipelines, leading to frequent blockages and severe street flooding.
To address the crisis, Manager Ali has urged the Ministry of Public Works to collaborate with LWSC in demolishing all structures built within 15 feet of water and sewer lines.
He pointed out that such violations have persisted for decades despite previous government regulations prohibiting construction on public utility lines.
“No matter how many times we send trucks to clear sewage blockages, the problem won’t be solved unless we remove these illegal structures,” he stated.
According to him, several locations have been identified as critical zones where illegal construction has severely impacted the sewer system. These include: Lynch Street, Broad Street, and Ashmun Street, Canada Embassy intersection and the War Trade Center area, Behind Photo Studio, along Center Street and Front Street, near the LWSC headquarters.
Managing Director Ali confirmed that court orders are being pursued to facilitate the legal demolition of structures that violate LWSC’s infrastructure regulations.
Director Ali also clarified that LWSC will not provide compensation to individuals whose properties are illegally built on water and sewer lines. Instead, he warned that legal action may be taken against those who have encroached on public utility spaces.
“If your building is on our water or sewer lines, prepare for demolition. We will not negotiate. The only solution is to remove it,” he declared.
He further stressed that property owners may face lawsuits for damaging public infrastructure, “Instead of us paying you, you will be sued for damaging public property.”
MD Ali announced that LWSC is preparing to launch a new water supply system, which will allow residents to register for direct water connections to their homes.
Additionally, feasibility studies have been completed for expanding water and sewer services to Greenfield communities, with major infrastructure projects expected by the end of the year. The Ministry of Public Works and law enforcement agencies are expected to support LWSC in reclaiming public utility spaces. The corporation remains committed to improving Liberia’s water and sewage systems and insists that removing illegal structures is essential for efficient and effective service delivery.