THE CURRENT CHALLENGES FACE BY THE LIBERIA WATER MANAGEMENT SECTOR IN IMPROVING WATER SUPPLY COVERAGE: A CASE STUDY ON THE WHITE PLAINS WATER TREATMENT PLANT IN MONROVIA, LIBERIA

Abstract

Water is an essential component in the existence of man and his environments. Despite the tremendous effort made by the Liberia Government through the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation in providing efficient, safe and affordable water supply to the inhabitants of Monrovia and its environs, water supply coverage is still low to meet the demand of the growing population of its inhabitants most especially during the dry season every year. Before the Liberian Civil War in 1990, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation supplied sufficient water for the inhabitants of Monrovia and its environs at that time the treatment Plant was in full operation and supplied 16 million gallons per day on the total population of 500, 000 people. After the 14-year Civil War the population of Monrovia and its surroundings has increased to 1,500,000 people thereby tripling the total population before the war and leading to water shortage in the city. There is no constant supply of water, operation and maintenance of the system as well as revenue generation from bills distributed to customers however, leakages within the networks are alarming because the pipes have over-lived its life span. This research scrutinizes reports, literature, studies and other important details regarding the Liberia’s Water Sector ensuring to outlines the primary causes of the challenges and constraints the management faces in delivering water to the people of Monrovia and its surroundings and also discusses the way forward ranges from technical, economic and social issues. The management has an opportunity of improving the current situation through adequate strategies for monitoring water services and water resources, making use of sustainable technologies and linking with target beneficiaries in the development of water supply systems within Monrovia and its environs and it can only be archived through proper planning and management system.