“Water Shortage Hits Monrovia After Pipe Bursts”

Monrovia, Liberia: The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) has announced a significant disruption in water supply across several parts of Monrovia, following the rupture of a major water pipeline beneath the Bong Mine railway track in the Louisiana area.

The 36-inch pipe, which serves as the main water supply line to the rest of Monrovia, burst earlier this week, prompting immediate action from LWSC. According to Patrick N. Sandikie, Deputy Managing Director for Technical Services at LWSC, the pipe was installed between 1958 and 1959 and has long outlived its expected operational lifespan of 35 years.

“This pipe has served the city for over six decades. It has clearly exceeded its life expectancy, and unfortunately, it burst beneath the railway line, which makes repair efforts even more complex,” Sandikie said during a site visit on Friday, May 9.

He explained that excavation work to access the damaged pipe is already underway. However, because the pipeline lies beneath the railway, the next critical step involves cutting through the railway track. LWSC has formally written to the Ministry of Transport requesting a permit to proceed with this operation.

“We cannot access the other side of the pipe unless we cut through the railway. We’ve sent a request to the Ministry of Transport, and as soon as the permit is granted, we will begin the actual repair work. Our team is fully mobilized and ready,” he stated.

Sandikie noted that the process is not only technically challenging but also financially demanding. “Repairing the burst pipe alone is expensive, and now that we need to cut through the railway track, the cost has doubled. This will be the first time we’ve had to cut through the railway for a pipeline repair,” he added.

WATER SUPPLY PLAN DURING REPAIRS

In response to the disruption, LWSC has activated an emergency water distribution plan to ensure continued access to clean water for some communities while repairs are underway. According to Sandikie:

Bushrod Island will continue to receive water through the 16-inch main line that runs around the Caldwell belt.

In New Georgia, LWSC will supply water from local groundwater sources, which will be pumped to the area.

LWSC’s Soul Clinic mini station will provide water to G5 Community, Omega, and a portion of Zayzay Community.

Residents along Kesselly Boulevard and nearby areas will need to travel to other locations to fetch water, as direct supply will be interrupted.

Communities in central Monrovia will have to rely on commercial water trucking services.

To further ease the burden on affected communities, LWSC has reopened the Airfield water wells, where residents can access water during the crisis.

LONG-TERM SOLUTION IN PROGRESS

Sandikie also revealed that LWSC is working on the installation of a new pipeline, which is expected to be completed by October 2025. Although the initial schedule extends to October, he said the Corporation is making every effort to ensure the new line becomes fully operational by December 2025.

“We understand the inconvenience this situation poses to residents, but we are working diligently to complete the repairs and accelerate the new pipeline installation to restore full service to all of Monrovia,” he assured.

The LWSC urges the public to remain patient and make use of alternative water sources while the necessary repair and upgrade work is being carried out.