Bushrod Island’s Low Water Pressure Solve

For nearly 3 years of the previous management of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, LWSC, its Caldwell booster station and sub office was non-operational following a devastating fire in 2021.  As a result of this unfortunate situation, a significant chunk of our Bushrod Island customers faced water challenges, ranging from low pressure to outage, as this infrastructure could no longer serve its purpose.

The Caldwell booster station is responsible for increasing the pressure of water coming from the White plains water treatment plant, for onward distribution to communities on the Bushrod Island. Considering this importance, when our current management assumed leadership of the public utility, the Caldwell booster station and sub office became a major priority and with nearly one year on, we are pleased to announce the full restoration of this significant facility.

“As we officially dedicate this infrastructure on today, our Bushrod Island customers will have no more worries about low pressure and water outage”, the Corporation’s Managing Director said in excitement at an official program marking its dedication.

MD Ali noted that the restoration of the Caldwell facility was a major push to improve access to clean and safe drinking water, as it is a vibrant facility that will boost water pressure and ensure a steady supply to central Monrovia and surrounding communities.

Speaking further at the dedication ceremony on Thursday, December 19,2024, Ali expressed pride in the achievement, calling it a critical step in addressing the longstanding challenges in water distribution.

“This facility was completely burned down, making it difficult to maintain the necessary pressure to supply water to Bushrod Island and beyond,” Ali stated. “When we assumed leadership of the LWSC, we made it a priority to restore this station. Now, with its completion, residents of Bushrod Island and other areas can rest assured that their water supply will improve significantly.”

For his part, Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon praised the LWSC for its leadership and commitment to improving water services, noting the unprecedented $4 million allocation in the national budget for water and sewer operations.

“Mo Ali and his team have shown that with dedication, passion, and the right support, transformative change is possible,” Dillon remarked. “For the first time in a long time, funding for water and sewer services has reached this level, and it is clear that the resources are being used effectively.”

Senator Dillon pledged to advocate for continued support for LWSC during budget reviews. “As we deliberate on the national budget, we will ensure that the water and sewer corporation remain a top priority, so this progress continues incrementally year by year,” he said.

Dillon also acknowledged the hardworking employees behind LWSC’s success. “While Mo Ali is the face of these achievements, the real credit belongs to the dedicated staff who make it all possible,” he said.

Also in remarks was Dr. Khalipha Bility, Chairman of the LWSC Board of Directors, who described the rehabilitation of the Caldwell Booster Station as a testament to the corporation’s resilience and commitment to expanding access to clean water.

“This dedication is symbolic of our unwavering determination to restore and enhance water services despite the challenges we face,” Bility said. “Hundreds of residents will benefit from this facility, and it is just the beginning. We are committed to ensuring that every Liberian has access to clean, potable water.”

Bility reaffirmed LWSC’s plans to bring water systems online in underserved regions. “Gbarpolu will soon benefit from a new water system, and as we progress into 2025, we will continue expanding to other parts of the country, addressing challenges head-on and finding innovative solutions,” he stated.

The Caldwell Booster Station’s restoration marks a significant milestone in LWSC’s efforts to enhance water infrastructure across Liberia. With plans to expand to southeastern counties, including Maryland, and rehabilitate existing systems, the corporation is charting a path toward universal access to clean water.