Monrovia-The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) has vowed to take decisive action against illegal structures built on water and sewer lines, on grounds that the encroachments continue to obstruct the proper flow of services.
By Jamesetta D Williams
Monrovia-The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) has vowed to take decisive action against illegal structures built on water and sewer lines, on grounds that the encroachments continue to obstruct the proper flow of services.
Mohammed Ali, Managing Director of LWSC, at MICAT’s regular press briefing outlined the corporation’s ongoing efforts to restore water supply and improve the sewage system in Monrovia and its surrounding areas.
Hon. Ali highlighted that since assuming office, his administration has faced numerous challenges, including Irregular water supply due to outdated infrastructure, severe problems at the White Plains Water Treatment Plant, including the lack of a chlorination system, which discouraged major customers from using LWSC’s water.
However, he stressed that one of the most pressing issues is the illegal construction of structures on sewer and water pipelines, which has caused persistent blockages and street flooding in several areas.
Hon. Ali called on the Ministry of Public Works to support LWSC in demolishing all structures built within 15 feet of sewer and water lines. He explained that these violations date back decades, despite previous government proclamations making it a criminal offense to construct on public utility lines.
No matter how many times we send trucks to clear sewage blockages, the problem won’t be solved unless we remove these illegal structures,” Ali stated.
Several critical areas have already been identified where illegal structures have severely obstructed the sewer system on Lyne Street, Broad Street, and Ashmun Street. Others are Canaan Embassy intersection and the WartredCenter area, Behind Photo Studio along Center Street and Front Street near the LWSC headquarters
Hon. Ali confirmed that court orders are being pursued to ensure the legal demolition of structures that violate water and sewer line regulations.
LWSC has already marked several illegal structures for demolition and is urging residents to remove their belongings before the operation begins.
If your building is on our water or sewer line, prepare for demolition. We will not negotiate. The only solution is to remove it,” Ali warned.
He also addressed concerns about compensation for affected property owners, clarifying that:
LWSC will not compensate anyone for structures built on public utility lines.
Encroachers may face legal action for criminally constructing on LWSC’s infrastructure.
Instead of us paying you, you will be sued for damaging public property,” he stated firmly.
Despite these challenges, Hon. Ali announced that LWSC is set to launch a new water supply system, which will allow residents to register for direct water connections to their homes.
Additionally, LWSC has completed feasibility studies for new projects, including expanding services to Greenfield communities, with major infrastructure work expected by the end of the year.
The LWSC remains committed to improving Liberia’s water and sewage systems but insists that illegal structures must be removed to ensure efficient service delivery.
With demolition plans now underway, the Ministry of Public Works and law enforcement agencies are expected to back LWSC’s efforts to reclaim public utility spaces and restore critical water and sewer services.
