The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) is working tirelessly to resolve a significant issue that could impact water supply in Monrovia and surrounding areas. A major 36-inch transmission pipeline has experienced a critical rupture, and repairs are expected to take three weeks.
On Friday, May 9, 2025, LWSC officials reported that this rupture would affect water delivery to most parts of the city. This particular pipe has a history of bursting; however, this incident is especially critical because the damaged segment lies beneath a railway track that runs from Bong Mines through lower Montserrado County.
According to LWSC Managing Director Mohammed Ali, technicians estimate that repair efforts will take 2 to 3 weeks, as accessing the ruptured pipeline requires cutting through the railway track. The LWSC has assured the public and its valued customers that it is committed to restoring service to all affected communities.
“Meanwhile, while repair work is ongoing, Bushrod Island and surrounding areas will receive a consistent water supply through our 16-inch pipeline that runs through Caldwell,” the entity stated.
The recent rupture will impact several communities including Bushrod Island, Soul Clinic, Omega, New Georgia Estate, and the Cocola Factory Community, leading to a significant decrease in water supply over the coming days.
It has become increasingly common for this pipeline to experience ruptures at various segments, given that it has been in use for more than seventy years. Between September and December of 2024, the country faced another major water crisis due to a previous rupture in the same 36-inch main transmission line from White Plains. At that time, Mohammed Ali stated that LWSC engineers identified the rupture point, which was somewhat challenging to repair.
This situation occurred just four months after the LWSC restored piped water to central Monrovia and neighboring areas in May 2024. During the official ceremony for the restoration, Managing Director Ali noted that this was the first time in over a decade that residents of Monrovia would enjoy running water, a development attributed to the implementation of President Joseph N. Boakai’s plans during the initial 100 days of a revamped LWSC. However, it seems that this renewed confidence was short-lived, as another rupture occurred in September 2024.
During these major water shortages, daily life becomes immensely challenging for citizens, especially those in central Monrovia, who often have to carry water in wheelbarrows or on their heads.
