The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) and the World Bank, has launched a US$1.49 million water connection project targeting 2,500 new household connections across Montserrado County.
The project is a landmark effort to improve access to safe drinking water in the country’s capital and surrounding communities.
The project falls under the framework of the Liberia Urban Resilience Project (LURP). It will
benefit high-density, underserved communities, including Southern Paynesville and the Omega area.
It marks a critical intervention amid persistent challenges in urban water supply and sanitation.
At the launch held in Paynesville, one of the targeted areas, LWSC Managing Director, Mohammed Ali, hailed the initiative as “a timely and strategic intervention.”
The project, Mo Ali said, will significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of urban residents.
“This project is more than a response to immediate water needs,” Ali said.
“It is a cornerstone of our long-term strategy to deliver reliable, sustainable water services in the face of growing urban demands and climate vulnerabilities.”
The US$1.49 million contract has been awarded to Tengda Construction Ltd., a regional firm with a strong track record in water and sanitation projects in West Africa.
Implementation is expected to begin immediately, with construction to proceed in phased segments over the coming months.
Public Works Minister, Roland Lafayette Giddings, described water access as an essential element of national development.
“Clean water is not just a human right; it is essential for public health, economic productivity, and climate resilience,” Giddings said.
The launch of the project was an affirmation of the government’s commitment to delivering inclusive infrastructure that supports community wellbeing.
The emergency water connection project is among the first tangible outputs of LURP, a six-year, multi-sector initiative jointly implemented by the government and the World Bank.
LURP is designed to tackle the complex challenges facing the country’s rapidly urbanizing communities, including inadequate service delivery, climate change, poor drainage systems, and unregulated settlements.
The World Bank, highlighted the critical importance of partnerships in driving impact.
“Access to clean water is a lifeline,” said the World Bank representative.
“This project demonstrates our shared commitment to building resilient, inclusive communities, and improving the daily lives of ordinary Liberians.”
Officials revealed that the targeted 2,500 new water connections will be based on priority needs assessments carried out by LWSC. It will take into consideration areas with severe water stress and a high incidence of waterborne diseases.