LWSC’s New MD to Crack Down on Employee Malpractices

Taking over on Friday as the new Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), Mohammed Ali promised to eradicate employee malpractice within the state-owned enterprise.

He attributed delays in salary payments and operational challenges to unethical behaviors among some employees, but vowed to address these issues decisively.

“We are aware of various malpractices within the organization, such as mishandling of chemicals and fraudulent billing practices. Some employees have been collecting funds in the name of the corporation or tampering with water supplies to extort materials. This ends now. While we may not completely eliminate such practices, stringent measures will be taken against those caught engaging in them,” stated LWSC Managing Director Mo Ali.

Ali emphasized his commitment to making firm decisions and warned against any backtracking once a decision is made. He acknowledged the historical challenges faced by LWSC employees, particularly those working in technical roles, and stressed the importance of honesty and integrity in serving customers. 

“While successive managements have had problems, we, the employees, have our own problems, especially employees on the field. For example, those in the technical areas can deliberately cut the water supply to request material. But when a month later we don’t take pay, we don’t blame ourselves,” Ali noted. “If we want our customers to pay us, we must stop cheating on them.”

Recognizing the harsh working conditions endured by LWSC staff, Ali pledged to improve working conditions if given the opportunity to extend his tenure. “If President Boakai allows us to stay a little bit longer, we will change these working conditions.

He further lauded technicians for the sacrifices made over the years to ensure that LWSC remained functional. Ali highlighted the pressing issue of salary arrears, amounting to over US$2 million for nine months, and vowed to prioritize resolving this within the first hundred days of his administration. 

“My understanding is that the entity owes employees nine months’ salary arrears that are more than US$2 million. All of us will sit down and decide that we will work, look for the money, and pay ourselves. So, that is, it needs to be part of our first hundred days of deliverables.”

As part of his initial objectives, Ali outlined plans to restore water supply in Monrovia and its environs by renovating the booster station in Caldwell and completing the PIU project by December 31, 2024.

In light of the challenges raised by the outgoing transitional team, including salary delays and administrative hurdles, Ali assured that these issues would be addressed shortly.

Rannel M. Kanneh, the Officer-in-Charge of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), cautioned the newly appointed Managing Director about the significant challenges waiting at LWSC, particularly regarding the payment of workers' salaries. 

“Employees of the corporation have endured a nine-month delay in receiving their wages, compounding the financial strain exacerbated by rising rent costs,” Kanneh said.

In addressing the new Managing Director, Kanneh emphasized the urgent need to address the salary issue and appealed for swift action on behalf of the workforce. 

Even though the prolonged salary delays, Kanneh commended the dedication and resilience of LWSC employees, who continue to fulfill their duties diligently despite the financial hardships.

However, Kanneh also highlighted that the challenges at LWSC extend beyond salary matters, encompassing various administrative obstacles that require immediate attention. These challenges include a shortage of operational vehicles and inadequate supplies for water purification, which have hindered the corporation's operations.

Meanwhile, the colorful event ceremony, which was graced by friends of Mo Ali, employees, and other well-wishers, took place on March 1, 2024, at the LWSC Fiamah Sewer Treatment Plant in Sinkor.