Residents of Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County, are voicing frustration over persistent water shortages despite President Joseph Boakai’s recent dedication to a mini-water system. Many complain of long wait times and inconsistent water supply, with some demanding immediate government intervention. However, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) insists that the system is still in its “Defect and Liability Period” and remains under contractor supervision for necessary adjustments.
Managing Director Mo Ali dismissed claims that the system is failing, stating that thousands of gallons of water have already been drawn from the facility. A document obtained by Verity shows that since its dedication in February 2025, the system has supplied a total of 70,533.39 gallons of water to various locations in Bopolu City. Despite these figures, residents argue that access remains unpredictable, with supply lasting only 30 minutes to an hour each day.
Ali also attributed the water shortage to seasonal changes, saying, “No matter the depth of the water system, once it’s the dry season, the water supply will be low.” He further clarified that the dedication of the facility did not mean it was fully operational.
Beyond the operational challenges, questions about financial transparency continue to linger. Activist Martin K. N. Kollie had previously raised concerns about the project’s reported US$250,000 cost, arguing that the amount was grossly inflated compared to similar developments. Kollie challenged LWSC to provide a breakdown of expenses, questioning the pricing of solar panels, water tanks, and pumps, which he claimed were significantly overpriced.
In his assessment, Kollie, working with two experienced engineers, pointed out that a poly tank, which LWSC reportedly purchased for US$850, is commonly available for far less. He also noted that the solar panels used in the system were underpowered compared to standard models used in similar projects. Furthermore, Kollie questioned whether the project followed the competitive bidding process required by law for contracts exceeding US$250,000, arguing that no public bid notice was issued.
“Did you spend US$250K? That’s the simple question that needs to be answered,” Kollie previously stated, stressing that public resources must be managed transparently. He warned against the exploitation of vulnerable communities and urged authorities to uphold the highest standards of accountability.
While LWSC maintains that the project is legitimate and continues to undergo necessary modifications, the ongoing water shortages and lingering doubts over financial transparency have left many Bopolu residents dissatisfied.
