The Liberian government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe drinking water to its citizens, emphasizing this as a critical priority within its broader development agenda. Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan underscored this dedication during the launch of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation’s (LWSC) 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive blueprint aimed at revitalizing the country’s water and sanitation infrastructure. The Minister pledged unwavering government support for the ambitious five-year plan, recognizing the water sector’s crucial role in Liberia’s pursuit of inclusive growth. The government recognizes that access to clean water is not merely a convenience but a fundamental necessity for the health and well-being of its citizens, and is determined to move from planning to tangible improvements in water services.
The LWSC’s strategic plan, representing a USD 156.6 million investment, outlines a multi-pronged approach to address the challenges facing the water and sanitation sector. The plan sets ambitious yet achievable targets, including doubling water connections to 30,000 by 2029, significantly expanding sewer connections, and drastically improving revenue collection efficiency to 95%. A key objective is to reduce the corporation’s reliance on government subsidies, promoting financial sustainability and long-term viability. These objectives align with the government’s overarching development strategy, the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, specifically Policy Nine, which prioritizes improvements in water and sanitation services nationwide. The plan emphasizes a shift from reactive measures to proactive strategies, aiming to address systemic issues and ensure long-term improvements in the sector.
Minister Ngafuan highlighted the transformative potential of the plan, emphasizing the government’s commitment to translating the blueprint into concrete action and tangible outcomes. He stressed the importance of collective effort, recognizing that achieving these goals requires a collaborative approach involving not only government agencies but also citizens themselves. The Minister assured the public that they would not be mere bystanders in this process but active participants in the transformation of the water sector. This emphasis on public participation underscores the government’s commitment to inclusivity and its recognition that sustainable development requires the active involvement of all stakeholders.
LWSC Managing Director, Mo Ali, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, highlighting the strategic plan’s significance as a roadmap for the corporation’s development efforts over the next four to five years. He acknowledged that the existing system, while not entirely broken, required significant improvement to effectively address the growing demands for water and sanitation services, particularly in urban areas. The plan aims to address these challenges through a combination of infrastructure investments, operational reforms, and expansion of services. The plan not only focuses on addressing immediate needs but also adopts a future-oriented approach, anticipating future growth and ensuring that the water and sanitation sector can accommodate increasing demands.
Ali further emphasized the importance of partnerships, acknowledging the vital role of the Ministry of Public Works in supporting the LWSC’s infrastructure development. This collaborative approach between different government bodies demonstrates a unified effort to prioritize and address the challenges facing the water sector. The plan’s focus on urban sanitation reflects a recognition of the specific needs of urban populations and the importance of adequate sanitation infrastructure in promoting public health and overall well-being. This targeted approach to service delivery reflects a commitment to addressing the unique challenges of different population groups.
The LWSC’s strategic plan signifies a decisive step toward realizing the Liberian government’s vision of providing safe and reliable water and sanitation services to its citizens. The plan’s comprehensive scope, ambitious targets, and emphasis on collaborative action demonstrate a commitment to not only addressing current challenges but also building a sustainable and resilient water sector for the future. The plan’s unveiling marks not just the beginning of a new phase in Liberia’s water sector development, but also a renewed commitment to the well-being of its citizens, acknowledging the fundamental role of access to clean water and sanitation in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth. The government’s strong endorsement and pledge of support underscore the importance of this initiative and signify a promising future for Liberia’s water and sanitation landscape.
