A Major Leap From 70-year-Old Pipes To Modern Infrastructure

In what is being hailed as a major breakthrough for Liberia’s water supply infrastructure, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) on Tuesday unveiled a batch of brand-new 48-inch diameter transmission pipes and accessories in Lower Johnsonville, Montserrado County.

The pipes are intended to replace the decades-old 36-inch pipeline that supplies water from White Plains to Paynesville and Monrovia and it is a crucial part of a larger, long-delayed water project now gaining traction. The ongoing replacement of its aging pipeline with robust, long-lasting materials is expected to dramatically improve the reliability and efficiency of water delivery to more than 1.5 million people across Paynesville and Monrovia.

Speaking to journalists, Mo Ali, LWSC’s Managing Director, described the new pipes as “a migration from consistent rupture with the 36-inch pipeline to an era of unhindered and high-pressure supply.”

“These pipes are over 70 years old, built in 1953,” Ali explained. “The government of Liberia, with support from the World Bank, has been working since 2016 to fund this critical upgrade. It started with a US$10 million grant during the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration, followed by an additional US$30 million financing under President George Weah.”

Ali said the project stalled due to contractual issues, prompting his administration to renegotiate terms with the World Bank. “Initially, we were targeting 11.8 kilometers of new pipe installation. But with the delays and setbacks, we agreed with the Bank to reduce the scope to 10 kilometers for US$12.4 million.” Ali emphasized the complexities and misconceptions around the costs of water infrastructure. “People see water flowing from taps and assume it’s simple. They question the price tag and cry corruption. But the actual tap is the cheapest part. It’s what’s underground — the pipes, valves, chambers, and concrete work — that carry the real cost.”

He further disclosed that the remaining 15 kilometers needed to complete the full 25-kilometer pipeline would require an additional US$22–25 million.

Patrick Sandikie, LWSC’s Deputy Managing Director for Technical Services, elaborated on the technical components and current work on-site. “This site serves as both a storage and fabrication area,” he said, pointing to stockpiled valves, gaskets, and other accessories. “We are producing concrete covers for manholes and valve chambers right here. We’ve already excavated parts of the route, and in the coming days, we’ll start laying the 5 kilometers towards the plant.”

Sandikie shared insights into the manufacturing process, including his January trip to China to inspect the quality of the pipes. “I saw every stage of production — from melting to molding, hydro testing, and tensile strength testing. These pipes are built to last.”

He added, “President Boakai is personally following this project. When there was a delay at the port, he paused a meeting, called the Port Manager and APM Terminals, and instructed them to prioritize our shipment. That’s how important this project is.”

For his part, Seth Tetteyfio, the Resident Engineer and consultant with Forest and LWSC’s Project Implementation Unit, added that the pipes are designed to last between 75 to 100 years. “This project replaces the smaller, outdated iron pipes with stronger, more durable ones that are rust-resistant,” he explained. “With no external damage, these pipes should outlive us and serve future generations.”

He noted that the 10-kilometer stretch would require approximately 1,670 pieces of 60-meter pipes and confirmed that the project is scheduled for completion by the end of October 2025.

Also speaking was Samuel Forkpa Davies, LWSC Project Engineer, who detailed the logistical challenges and presidential intervention that ensured the pipes’ arrival. “This forest area had to be cleared and reinforced to handle the weight of modern infrastructure. The first shipment arrived three weeks ago, and offloading took longer due to port capacity issues,” Davies revealed. “It took the personal intervention of President Joseph Boakai to prioritize the offloading of our cargo.”

Davies said that excavation, fabrication, and pipe laying are happening simultaneously, and over 400 pieces of pipe have already arrived on-site, with more expected soon. He added, “Our engineers are working 24/7 to keep this project on schedule. Every Thursday, we hold project meetings with all stakeholders — LWSC, contractors, engineers, and even the Office of the President — to track progress, identify setbacks, and push for solutions.”