Major Water Supply Disruption Hits Monrovia

The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) has reported a critical rupture on its main transmission pipeline – the 36-inch, severely disrupting water supply to Monrovia and its surrounding communities, as the damaged pipeline is the biggest transmission infrastructure for Liberia’s public utility.  The rupture occurred beneath the Bong Mines railway track, complicating repair efforts and raising urgent concerns over public access to clean and safe water.

Speaking to a team of Journalists on Friday, May 10, 2025, at the site of the damaged pipeline, LWSC Deputy Managing Director for Technical Services Hon. Patrick Sandikie, stated that repair works on the ruptured 36-inch will take at least 2 to 3 weeks under optimal conditions.

“Our engineers are on the ground, and the damage is significant- it is critical. The pipe runs under the Bong Mines track, so to even access it, we have to cut through the rail infrastructure,” Sandikie explained. The location of the rupture poses significant logistical challenges. According to Deputy Managing Director Sandikie, the pipe is encased within a protective metal sleeve beneath the rail line or train track. “We have already cut through part of the casing, but to move forward, we need formal authorization from the Ministry of Transport, which owns the railway,” he noted.

LWSC has submitted an official request for a permit to breach the railway structure. Sandikie confirmed that a verbal discussion between the LWSC and Ministry of Transport has occurred, and that a formal letter was delivered earlier. “Once we have that permit, we can proceed to cut through the track and access the ruptured pipe,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Despite the setback, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) announced that temporary water supply alternatives have been activated. “While the main line is down, we will utilize our available 16-inch pipeline that loops through Caldwell to serve Bushrod Island,” Sandikie announced. “New Georgia and parts of New Kru Town will rely on smaller mini-systems and groundwater pumps. “Communities further east, including Omega and GSA Road areas, will be supplied by the Soul Clinic mini system. However, central Monrovia and other high-elevation zones will see significant shortages. “These areas will depend on commercial water trucks until repairs are complete,” Sandikie warned.

Deputy Managing Director Sandikie acknowledged the high cost of the repair operations, noting that the process involves both dismantling and reconstructing the rail track. “The contractor is assessing how much it will cost to dismantle, repair, and restore the railway. We expect a preliminary estimate in the next two days,” he told the team of Journalist touring the damaged pipeline.

The broken section of the pipeline, Sandikie revealed, is part of a pre-war concrete system laid in the late 1950s. “These pipes are over 60 years old—well past their 35-to-50-year service lifespan. We’re operating on borrowed time,” he said. “There have been three major ruptures on this line within the past year alone.” He explained that the rupture situation has already began to impact water availability across the capital. While some areas still receive water from previously pressurized sections of the network, many neighborhoods are expected to run dry within the next 48 hours.

 “Monrovia has more than 50 million gallons in ground storage, but once that’s depleted, the shortage will be felt citywide,” Sandikie cautioned. While repairs on the ruptured pipe continue, LWSC is also laying the groundwork for installing a new pipeline system expected to arrive in October. “That system won’t be operational until December, barring any further delays. So, in the meantime, we must stabilize the current situation,” Sandikie said.

He emphasized the need for a long-term investment in water infrastructure. “We’re using a cloth that’s torn from age. If you patch it here, it tears somewhere else. The only sustainable solution is full replacement,” he said, referencing the series of breakdowns across the aging network.

Sandikie reaffirmed LWSC’s commitment to resolving the crisis. “I’m here 24/7, and my managing director is also fully engaged. We are committed to doing this in record time,” he declared. “But it will take cooperation, patience, and support from all stakeholders, especially as this will disrupt lives and transport until it’s fixed.”