By Henry Gboluma
BOPOLU CITY, Gbarpolu-Residents of Bopolu City have experienced their first ever pipe-borne water system since the creation of Liberia in 1847, 178 years later. The rural water facility was dedicated by President Joseph Boakia on February 26, 2025 in Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County. The initiative has been described as a landmark development milestone for a region that once hosted Liberia’s infamous prison center, Belle Yalla-from 1910-1990.
Until now, this region was considered as a repression, stigma and force labor terrain within the heart of the rainforest. But this dreadful history has now being overshadowed by the history of road connectivity, access to modern health facilities and quality water supply.
At the dedication ceremony, President Boakai said “What we are doing here should have happened 100 years ago. Safe drinking water is a fundamental right. Today, we are celebrating this achievement because our community has been deprived for too long. Every person deserves access to clean water.”
The Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, Mo Ali, described the project as a change of story for a region once noted for hosting Liberia’s notorious prison center. He said the project, which cost US$250,000 is part of his dream to provide pipe-born water to the 15 counties of Liberia, saying, “even though the funding is limited, “we have established the foundation for future expansion throughout Bopolu City.
For his part, Superintendent Sam K. Zinnah said the project will alleviate the suffering of school-going children who previously had to walk miles to fetch water.
Senator Amara Konneh expressed excitement about the project’s alignment with the President’s development agenda: “You have heard about the President’s AREST agenda for inclusive development—this is it! This water system is a testament to inclusion, ensuring that development directly touches the lives of our people. Today, we celebrate the first major achievement of this agenda in Gbarpolu County.”
Representative Zinnah Norman thanked the loving citizens of Gbarpolu County for working closely with the water and sewer family to make this project possible. He described it as “the first time in the history that Bopolu City has access to running water.”
Meanwhile, Senator Botoe Kanneh, Chairperson of the Gbarpolu County Legislative Caucus, expressed gratitude for the collective effort: “The people of Gbarpolu County extend their heartfelt thanks for this critical achievement. Safe drinking water is essential for our health, and we are finally celebrating a right that we have long been deprived of.”
The facility will provide safe drinking water to approximately 5,000 residents in Bopolu City, which was established in 2001 and has long struggled with inadequate infrastructure.
The new system extracts water from a 750-foot deep well, storing it in a 15,000-gallon reservoir. The water is then distributed through a 1.7-kilometer network to essential locations, including schools, hospitals, and public buildings.
Additionally, four water kiosks with a total of 24 faucets will ensure that residents have free access to clean water.
