Activist Martin Kollie has raised serious concerns about the management and financial transparency of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) regarding constructing a mini-water system in Bopolu, Gbarpolu County. Kollie’s critique comes after the government dedicates the $250,000 project on February 27, 2025, which he believes has been marred by inflated costs and a lack of transparency.
In a direct challenge to LWSC Managing Director Mo Ali, Kollie has been demanding clear answers about the funds used for the water system. He insists that the project’s final price tag, which is reported at $250,000, does not align with industry standards or the actual cost of similar infrastructure. “Did you really spend $250K on this project, Mo Ali?” Kollie asked pointedly in his latest post. “This is not about targeting anyone personally, but holding public officials accountable for properly using public funds.”
Kollie’s investigation into the Bopolu water project points to numerous discrepancies that suggest possible mismanagement of resources. He claims that the costs associated with the system’s components, including solar panels, water pumps, and construction, have been inflated. According to Kollie, based on documents from credible suppliers, the prices for some materials appear excessively high compared to standard market rates. Kollie has also questioned the lack of competitive bidding, a legal requirement for projects exceeding $250,000 in Liberia.
The project, which includes a 15,000-gallon water reservoir and solar-powered water pumps, was meant to address the severe water shortages faced by Bopolu residents. While the system is intended to provide water to essential facilities like the health center, police station, and schools, Kollie and other critics argue that the project’s cost should be more closely scrutinized. “The people of Gbarpolu deserve clean, affordable water, but they should not be exploited in the process,” Kollie stated. “Public funds should be spent judiciously, which is why we ask for full transparency.”
Further complicating the issue, Kollie highlights what he describes as substandard practices in the project’s execution. He points to issues such as the use of a 400W solar panel for a 10-foot tower, when industry standards typically call for higher-powered panels and taller towers. “The system that was set up in Bopolu is not up to par,” Kollie argued. “In addition to the substandard materials, there is no proper filtration system. Best practice demands multiple filters, but Mo Ali has opted for a much less efficient chlorination method.”
In his critique, Kollie also draws attention to a key issue raised by a Gbarpolu lawmaker—whether the project went through a competitive bidding process as required by law. “Where is the bid notice? Who were the contractors?” Kollie asked, demanding transparency. Without competitive bidding, Kollie believes that the entire project is suspect.
The costs for the Bopolu water system, according to Kollie, should have been significantly lower. He estimates that following best practices and using standard materials, a properly executed project would cost no more than $93,823. He further cited specific figures for materials such as poly tanks, solar panels, and pumps, contrasting them with the prices provided by vendors. According to Kollie, the overall discrepancy adds to growing concerns over potential misuse of public funds.
Despite these allegations, Mo Ali has defended the project, arguing that the figures quoted by Kollie are misleading. In a Facebook post, Mo Ali pointed to figures from previous USAID projects, claiming that they indicated a higher cost per structure than the Bopolu system. He dismissed Kollie’s accusations, suggesting that they were based on incomplete or inaccurate information.
However, Kollie is unyielding in his stance. “Mo Ali cannot dodge the facts,” Kollie stated. “We are not interested in designs or fancy maps; we want transparency about how public funds are being spent. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about accountability to the Liberian people.”
While the project was launched with hopes of improving the quality of life for residents of Bopolu, Kollie’s investigation has cast a shadow over its execution. He maintains that the people of Gbarpolu deserve better, particularly when it comes to their basic needs such as clean water.
The debate over the project has become a focal point for wider concerns about public spending and governance in Liberia. “The rules of the game cannot be changed halfway,” Kollie emphasized. “If we are serious about fighting corruption and ensuring proper governance, then we must demand transparency at all levels of government.”
