Monrovia – In an effort to address critical challenges in water and sanitation infrastructure, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has issued Executive Order #146, offering a customs duty exemption to the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) on essential operational items. The order, effective immediately, is designed to reduce the Corporation’s financial burden and ensure the affordability of water and sewage services for the Liberian populace.
This latest executive action comes as part of the Government’s broader strategy to guarantee a sustainable water supply and effective sewage management. The move follows the expiration of Executive Order #127 and marks a renewed focus on improving public health through enhanced access to clean water and better sewage systems.
Items now exempt from customs duties under Executive Order #146 include key operational resources for the LWSC, such as diesel fuel, water treatment chemicals, pumps, spare parts, and heavy-duty equipment. These exemptions will also cover infrastructure-critical tools like leak detectors, pressure sewer cleaners, and vehicles necessary for water distribution and sewage management.
By alleviating the financial constraints on LWSC, the exemption is expected to have a direct impact on keeping water tariffs affordable, thus ensuring that citizens, especially in urban areas like Monrovia, have consistent access to safe drinking water while maintaining the effectiveness of the city’s sewage management systems.
President Boakai emphasized the importance of the new measure in strengthening Liberia’s public health infrastructure. “The provision of clean water and proper sanitation is foundational to the well-being of our people. This order reflects our administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Liberian has access to these critical services, which are essential for preventing disease outbreaks and fostering a healthy society,” he stated.
