Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-02-20 00:26:11
Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) Director General-designate Mr. Mohammed Ali has raised concerns about the significant increase in the number of employees at the entity, as well as the resulting financial implications. During his confirmation hearing before the Liberian Senate, Mr. Ali emphasized that his intention was not to terminate employees, but rather to address the heavy burden of a rapidly expanding workforce.
Mr. Ali revealed that in 2017, the LWSC staff consisted of 189 employees, with a monthly payroll of US$155,521.66. However, by December 2023, the number of employees had escalated to 669, increasing the payroll to US$384,160.18. This exponential growth in the workforce has made the entity dependent on the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, creating a financial strain.
The LWSC boss-designate also highlighted a lack of proper vetting for new hires, particularly in the case of 154 persons employed in April 2023, as well as an additional 20 janitors and 85 security officers employed between July and November 2023. He stressed that this influx of employees without proper vetting has further compounded the burden on the entity.
In addition to the staffing concerns, Mr. Ali addressed challenges with water supply in Central Monrovia, citing issues such as residents encroaching on pipeline infrastructure. He proposed to outsource the metering on a prepaid basis, similar to the approach taken by the Liberia Electricity Corporation, with the aim of ensuring that citizens pay for the water they use and increasing the efficiency of supply.
Furthermore, Mr. Ali expressed his commitment to working with the Ministry of Public Works to recover and safeguard the LWSC’s pipeline infrastructure, which has been obstructed by clots in the sewage system. He emphasized the importance of identifying these obstacles through the expertise of engineers.
Mr. Ali stressed the need to transform the LWSC into a more financially sustainable entity that can contribute to the national budget, rather than relying heavily on external financial support. He assured the Senate of his intention to address these issues if confirmed as the Director General, with a focus on streamlining the workforce and improving operational efficiency.
The appointment of Mr. Mohammed Ali as the Director General of the LWSC presents an opportunity to address the challenges facing the entity and to lay the foundation for a more sustainable and efficient water and sewer system in Liberia. His plans to address the staffing issues, improve water supply, and enhance financial sustainability demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the critical needs of the LWSC. If confirmed, Mr. Ali’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding the LWSC towards a more secure and reliable future.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
