In a significant milestone for Liberia’s infrastructure development, the Millennium Challenge Account Liberia (MCA-L) in partnership with the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) has successfully completed the construction of a new raw water pipeline valued at $18 million. This vital infrastructure project, spanning from the dam of the Hydropower Plant to the White Plains Water Treatment Plant, marks a substantial investment in addressing the nation’s water supply challenges.
Funded as part of the Energy project under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact with Liberia, the initiative received a generous grant of $257 million from the United States of America. This funding aims to tackle the pressing issues of limited access to reliable electricity and deficient road infrastructure within the country.
The newly constructed pipeline is designed to transport water from the dam to the treatment plant utilizing gravity flow, a mechanism that is anticipated to yield significant savings for the LWSC. With an estimated annual reduction of $780,000 in electricity costs previously incurred for water pumping, the project stands to enhance operational efficiency and financial sustainability for the corporation.
One of the primary beneficiaries of this infrastructure enhancement will be the approximately one million residents of Greater Monrovia. The aging infrastructure, notably the old water intake constructed in 1957, had suffered severe damage during the Liberian civil conflict, exacerbating challenges in water supply to the capital city and its environs.
MCA-Liberia entrusted the execution of this critical project to Denys NV from Belgium, tasked with the design and construction of the pipeline. Working in conjunction with Denys NV, Nicholas O’Dwyer from Ireland served as the engineer responsible for design review and construction supervision, ensuring adherence to quality standards and project specifications.
The completion of this $18 million pipeline project represents a significant step forward in Liberia’s quest to improve access to clean and reliable water, particularly in urban centers like Monrovia. As the nation continues its journey towards sustainable development, such strategic investments in infrastructure will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing the quality of life for its citizens and fostering economic growth.
