A one day working session involving members of the Board of Directors, top and senior management team members of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), donor partners, government sectorial agencies has convened in Monrovia for the purpose of validating what will be the Corporation’s 5 year working tool, known as its strategic plan.
With technical support from a Liberian Consultancy firm, Wuteve Consultancy Services, LWSC has developed a draft Strategic Plan for 2025–2029, which outlines a transformative and results-oriented roadmap to improve water and sanitation services across Liberia. The document is anchored on national development priorities, especially the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), aligns with global best practices like the World Bank Utility Turnaround Framework and sets the stage for a more efficient and impactful LWSC.
Providing an overview of the 2025-2029 instrument, LWSC’s Deputy Managing Director for Administration Mr. Gaye recalled that in March 2024, the current LWSC management team, led by Mohammed Ali, took office with a clear vision to reform and modernize the corporation. Backed by the Board of Directors, they initiated several institutional reforms focused on operational efficiency. A key priority was the development of a five-year Strategic Plan for water and sewer services.
Gaye mentioned that in late 2024, LWSC sought funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to support the planning process with USAID initially providing significant support and assistance to the process which led to the contractual services of a local consultancy, Wuteve Consultancy Services. However, a shift in U.S. policy led to USAID’s partial withdrawal from the process. In response, LWSC’s leadership and Board committed internal resources to continue the effort. “Today’s workshop marks a significant milestone: the validation of the first draft of the Strategic Plan”. Mr. Gaye appreciated USAID for its initial support, LWSC’s Board for its steadfast backing, and the consultants for their professionalism. He encouraged all participants to engage fully and contribute to shaping a plan that reflects LWSC’s mission and goals.
For his part, the chairman of LWSC Board of Directors, Dr. Khalifali Bility emphasized the importance of ensuring that water and sewer services reach all parts of Liberia, including al urban communities across the country. Dr. Bility praised the current draft strategic plan as an excellent starting point but underscored the need for further refinement to produce a bankable, cost, data-driven, and implementable plan.
The LWSC Board Chair called for focused group discussions to fine-tune the document. He stressed that financing is key, stating, “There is no point in developing a strategic plan if it cannot be financed.” Dr. Bility then highlighted the alignment of the strategic plan with the ARREST Agenda and international frameworks like FOCAC, noting the need for integration with national and international funding opportunities. He urged participants to think strategically, advocate effectively, and collaborate broadly to secure the resources needed.
Mr. Yusuf Bob Foday of the African Development Bank (AfDB) expressed gratitude for LWSC’s invitation and emphasized the Bank’s commitment to infrastructure, particularly the water and sanitation sector. While most of AfDB’s Liberia portfolio is currently focused on roads, he noted that discussions for a new Country Strategy—including possible prioritization of water and sewer—would commence in June. He highlighted that sector investment decisions are strategic and require a clear, coherent plan. Mr. Bob Foday congratulated LWSC on reaching this planning milestone and urged the team to continue aligning their strategic direction with national and international priorities.
For his part, Mr. Umaru E. Sesay of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to Liberia’s WASH sector. He recalled UNDP’s support to initiatives across both urban and rural areas, collaborating with national stakeholders such as the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Public Works, and the National WASH Commission.
He however emphasized that UNDP is pursuing a more holistic approach—promoting sustainability, strengthening water systems, and ensuring equitable access while reiterating UNDP’s readiness to continue working with all partners to build a healthier, more resilient future for Liberia.
Following months of internal reviews, assessments, and external engagements, LWSC is presenting the Draft 2025–2029 Strategic Plan for stakeholder validation. The workshop seeks to Present the core elements of the draft plan; validate the strategic vision, mission, goals, objectives, and KPIs; ensure alignment with stakeholder expectations; gather final feedback and recommendations; and strengthen shared ownership and commitment to implementation.
The workshop brought together approximately 50 key stakeholders, including LWSC Board Members and Executive Leadership, Government Ministries and Agencies: Public Works, Finance, Health, Internal Affairs, EPA, NPHIL, and others, Development partners: World Bank, AfDB, UNICEF, UNDP, Utilities and regulatory bodies: Liberia Electricity Corporation, WASH Commission. It represents a major step toward finalizing and implementing LWSC’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan. With strong collaboration from government, development partners, and civil society, the Corporation is on a clear path to delivering reliable, equitable, and sustainable water and sanitation services for all Liberians.