LWSC Unveils Over US$12M Infrastructure Upgrade In Johnsonville

By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), the state-owned utility responsible for urban water and sanitation services, has commenced the installation of a major pipeline project aimed at improving safe drinking water supply across Monrovia and its environs.
On a recent tour of the ongoing works in Johnsonville, LWSC Managing Director Mohammed Ali led media and stakeholders through the site of what is being heralded as one of the largest water infrastructure upgrades in decades.
The project funded by the World Bank, involves replacing an aging 36-inch pipeline built in 1953 with a modern 48-inch ductile iron pipeline, is expected to enhance water flow from the White Plains Water Treatment Plant to the capital.
“We are standing here this morning on a transformational project,” said Ali. “These pipes have been in use for over 70 years, and it was critical that we act. The government secured financing from the World Bank beginning in 2016. After a series of negotiations and extensions, work has officially resumed.”
The total cost of the current phase is US$12.4 million, covering the installation of 10 kilometers of the new pipeline.
However, an additional 15 kilometers remain, for which the LWSC estimates a funding need of between US$22 million and US$25 million.
Resident Engineer Seth Tetteyfio of Forset, the consulting firm overseeing the works, explained that many Liberians underestimate the complexity of water projects.
“People only see a tap and assume it’s simple. But underground, the engineering is immense,” he said. “This pipe project involves high-spec flanges, gaskets, valve chambers, and washouts—all engineered for long-term durability.”
LWSC Project Engineer Samuel Forkpa Davis further described the Johnsonville site as both a staging area and a fabrication hub for critical concrete components like manhole covers and valve chamber lids.
“We’ve already received over 400 of the 1,670 pipe segments required,” said Davis. “Each pipe is six meters long and must pass rigorous strength tests before installation.”
Ductile iron was selected for its durability and resistance to corrosion—crucial in Liberia’s terrain and climate. The pipeline’s estimated lifespan is over 75 years, potentially reaching a century if properly maintained.
In a rare move highlighting the importance of the project, LWSC engineers personally traveled to China to supervise the pipe manufacturing process, ensuring quality control from production to shipping. “We were in the factory monitoring every step,” Ali noted. “What’s on paper had to match what’s delivered.”
President Joseph Boakai himself has taken a personal interest in the progress. Following a three-week delay at the port, he reportedly intervened with APM Terminals to prioritize unloading of critical project materials.
Once completed, the upgraded pipeline will significantly increase the volume of water available to Monrovia.
According to the engineers, it will take over 3 million gallons of water just to fill the new 48-inch pipeline.
The White Plains plant currently has a production capacity of 16 million gallons per day, and with the upgrades, LWSC is confident it can meet the growing demands of Greater Monrovia and beyond.
The utility also plans to extend services to underserved communities, and has proposed annex systems in areas such as Soul Clinic, New Georgia, and beyond to support growing residential zones.
One of the major challenges LWSC anticipates is community cooperation. “We’re cautioning the public—if you’re building on top of water pipelines, that’s a disaster waiting to happen,” said Ali. “We’ve seen pipes burst under schools and roads. Once this system is active, the pressure will be enormous. It’s not safe.”
In a bid to encourage cooperation and improve collections, LWSC is offering a 50% waiver on all unpaid water bills issued before December 2023.
The waiver will run through June 2025.
“This is a win for public health, urban planning, and national development,” said Ali. “Liberians can expect not just more water, but more reliable and safer water. We are laying the foundation for the next generation.”
The project is expected to be completed by October 31, 2025.