The Liberia Water Plan represents a landmark investment in the country’s future, aiming to transform access to safe drinking water and improve sanitation nationwide. With a budget of USD 156.6 million and a clear five-year strategy, the initiative has been positioned as a cornerstone of Liberia’s inclusive growth agenda, ensuring that no community is left behind.
Government Commitment to Water Access
During the official launch of the Liberia Water Plan, Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan reaffirmed the government’s unwavering dedication to improving water services. He emphasized that water is not merely a basic need but a driver of health, economic growth, and social well-being. “We will not be spectators in this process,” he stated, underlining that every stakeholder must take part in making the plan a success.
Part of the National Development Agenda
The plan is directly aligned with Policy Nine of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, a national framework aimed at reducing inequality, stimulating growth, and expanding essential services. By making water infrastructure a priority, the government is signaling its recognition that safe water is fundamental to achieving sustainable development goals.
Key Targets of the Liberia Water Plan
The Liberia Water Plan blueprint includes ambitious yet achievable goals designed to significantly improve water and sewer services. These targets reflect both the urgency of the situation and the government’s determination to act decisively.
Expanding Water Connections
One of the primary objectives is to double household water connections from a baseline of 15,000 in 2024 to 30,000 by 2029. This expansion is expected to benefit thousands of households, especially in underserved communities.
Improving Sewer Systems
The plan also aims to increase sewer connections from 1,560 to 3,000 within the same timeframe. Better sewer infrastructure will help improve sanitation, reduce disease outbreaks, and protect the environment.
Boosting Revenue Collection
Another significant goal is to enhance revenue collection efficiency from 57% to 95%. By improving billing systems and customer engagement, the LWSC hopes to ensure financial sustainability and reduce reliance on government subsidies from 50% down to just 20%.
Leadership Perspectives
Minister Ngafuan described the Liberia Water Plan as “ambitious but achievable.” He stressed that water is vital for life and health, and achieving these targets requires a collaborative approach involving both the public and private sectors.
Remarks from LWSC Management
LWSC Managing Director Mo Ali explained that the new strategy replaces an outdated framework, offering a modern, results-driven roadmap. “We met a system that was not broken, but one that was not doing its best,” Ali said. “Implementing this plan will solve most of our problems with water and sewer services in urban areas.”
Partnerships and Collaboration
The plan’s success depends on cooperation between various government agencies, private investors, and international development partners. The Ministry of Public Works, for example, has played a crucial role in safeguarding LWSC’s infrastructure and providing technical support.
International Best Practices
By integrating global best practices in water management, the Liberia Water Plan aims to ensure long-term sustainability. Similar initiatives in countries like Rwanda and Ghana have demonstrated that sustained investment in water infrastructure yields significant health and economic benefits. Learn more about global water initiatives.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its promise, the plan faces challenges such as funding gaps, climate change impacts, and the need for skilled labor. Addressing these issues will require innovative solutions and strong political will.
Climate Resilience
Water infrastructure must be designed to withstand extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. This includes investing in flood protection, drought management, and sustainable resource use.
Capacity Building
Training and retaining skilled professionals in water engineering and management will be critical to ensuring the long-term success of the plan. Partnerships with universities and vocational institutions can help bridge the skills gap.
Economic and Social Impact
Improved water and sanitation services can lead to significant economic gains. Healthier populations are more productive, and businesses can thrive when basic infrastructure is reliable.
Job Creation
The Liberia Water Plan is expected to create jobs both directly through construction and maintenance and indirectly, by stimulating related industries.
Public Health Benefits
Access to clean water reduces the incidence of waterborne diseases, lowers healthcare costs, and improves overall quality of life. This is especially important in urban areas where population density increases health risks.
Connecting to Broader Development Goals
This initiative is closely linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Achieving these objectives will bring Liberia closer to meeting its international commitments.
For more on sustainable development in Africa, read our Africa SDG Progress Report.
Conclusion: A Pathway to Transformation
The Liberia Water Plan is more than an infrastructure project it is a transformative strategy that could redefine water access in Liberia for decades to come. With strong leadership, effective partnerships, and active citizen engagement, the country stands to achieve a future where safe, reliable water is a right enjoyed by all.
