WASHINGTON, D.C. — Liberia has intensified efforts to strengthen its water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector following a high-level engagement between senior government officials and global development partners on the margins of the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.
The Liberian delegation at the meeting— headed by Mohammed Ali, Managing Director of the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation, and Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning—held strategic discussions with Tim Wainwright, Chief Executive of WaterAid.
The meeting centered on scaling up investments in Liberia’s WASH systems, strengthening policy frameworks, and mobilizing international financing to support sustainable development goals. Particular emphasis was placed on addressing climate vulnerabilities that continue to impact water access and sanitation infrastructure across the country.
According to officials, the talks align with Liberia’s broader development agenda, which prioritizes improved public health outcomes, resilience to climate change, and expanded access to essential services in both urban and rural communities.
WaterAid, a globally recognized nonprofit organization, has maintained a strong presence in Liberia through its country program, contributing to expanded access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation facilities, and hygiene education. The organization’s interventions have been especially impactful in underserved and climate-affected regions.
Minister Ngafuan underscored the importance of deepening partnerships with international organizations, noting that sustainable financing and technical expertise remain critical to bridging Liberia’s infrastructure gaps. He emphasized that improving WASH services is directly linked to economic productivity, educational outcomes, and national health indicators.
Managing Director Mohammed Ali highlighted ongoing efforts by the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation to modernize water systems and expand service delivery, particularly in rapidly growing urban areas such as Monrovia. He noted that collaboration with global partners like WaterAid enhances the government’s capacity to implement scalable and climate-resilient solutions.
WaterAid CEO Tim Wainwright reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s WASH priorities, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that combine infrastructure development, policy reform, and community engagement.
Other members of the Liberian delegation included Nyekeh Forkpa, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Education; Jerolinmek M. Piah, Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism; and Henry Nyanquoi, Assistant Minister for Economic Policy at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, among others.
The engagement is part of a broader series of bilateral and multilateral meetings being held by Liberia’s delegation during the Spring Meetings, aimed at attracting investment, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating progress toward the country’s development objectives.
Analysts note that sustained collaboration with organizations like WaterAid could play a pivotal role in helping Liberia achieve universal access to safe water and sanitation—key targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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