By Bill W. Cooper
The Managing Director-designate of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), Mohammed Ali, has expressed confidence in the entity’s ability to generate US$7m in revenue in 2024, if consistent water supply is ensured throughout Monrovia and its environs.
Ali highlighted the importance of providing clean and reliable water to the residents of Monrovia and surrounding areas, something he said Liberians are direly in need of.
Appearing for his confirmation hearing yesterday, Ali emphasized that access to safe drinking water is a basic human right and a key factor in promoting public health and economic development.
He pointed out that the LWSC has made some strides in improving water distribution, but is still lacking infrastructure and financial support from government, and said that despite efforts made by the previous MD, the entity is still faced with series of challenges, including inadequate funding, aging infrastructure, and limited technical capacity.
Other challenges are the leaks in the distribution network, poor water quality, and the inability to expand access to water in underserved communities and counties.
He also stressed the need for continued investment in water and sewer infrastructure, to ensure sustainable service delivery and revenue generation.
Ali explained that one of his top priorities as Managing Director will be to strengthen partnerships with government agencies, development partners, and the private sector, to mobilize resources for infrastructure investments.
He however emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in leveraging private sector expertise, and financing to accelerate the expansion and improvement of water and sewer services.
At the same time, Mohammed Ali also disclosed that the entity will need a sum of US$460m to revamp the entire sewerage system across Monrovia and its surroundings.
Ali noted that access to water and sanitation services remains limited in many parts of Liberia, particularly in remote areas and communities affected by conflict and natural disasters.
To address these challenges, Ali stressed the need for targeted investments in decentralized water supply systems, sanitation infrastructure, and community engagement.
He added that the LWSC, under his leadership, will work closely with development partners and the Legislature to identify priority areas for intervention and mobilize resources for sustainable solutions.
