MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In an ongoing public dispute, activist Martin K. N. Kollie has raised significant concerns regarding the construction and financial management of a mini-water supply system in Bopolu, Gbarpolu County, spearheaded by the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC). The system, which was dedicated by President Joseph Boakai on February 26, 2025, is at the center of a controversy involving potential over-expenditures and a lack of transparency. Kollie has issued a direct challenge to LWSC Managing Director, Mo Ali, questioning the integrity of the funds allocated for the project.
The mini-water supply system, with a total cost reportedly hovering around US$250,000, includes a 15,000-gallon reservoir, a solar-powered pump system, and pipes running throughout the city. Despite its significance for Bopolu, a town without widespread plumbing infrastructure, Kollie argues that the actual cost of the project is grossly inflated and inconsistent with standard pricing for similar developments. According to Kollie, the amount spent on the system raises serious questions about fiscal accountability, particularly regarding whether the money was spent in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
“Did you spend US$250K? That’s the simple question that needs to be answered,” Kollie said in a statement on February 27. His critique of the project centers on his belief that public service must be marked by openness and transparency, and that the people of Liberia deserve a full accounting of how their resources are being spent. Kollie further claimed that Mo Ali has failed to provide full disclosure of the costs involved, such as the pricing of key materials, despite detailing the construction process and materials used for the project.
In his investigation, Kollie worked with two experienced Liberian engineers who are familiar with similar mini-water system projects. Together, they scrutinized the pricing of materials like solar panels, water tanks, and pumps, all of which seemed to be overpriced compared to market rates. Kollie provided detailed evidence from credible vendors, showing discrepancies in the prices claimed by LWSC for the Bopolu project. For example, a poly tank, which LWSC reportedly paid US$850 for, is commonly available for much less. Similarly, the solar panel used in the system, a 400W unit, was underpowered compared to the standard 605W panels typically used in such systems.
The activist also challenged the methodology behind the installation, noting that the system was built with substandard components, including a 10-foot tower instead of the standard 20-foot structure typically used in solar setups. Kollie, who is not an engineer himself, emphasized that the concerns he raised are backed by the expertise of those he has consulted, adding that no engineer would describe the structures built in Bopolu as “kiosks,” as they were called by the President during the dedication. Instead, he asserted that the installations were no more than tap stands.
Beyond the technical specifications, Kollie also questioned whether the project had undergone the competitive bidding process required by law for projects exceeding US$250,000. A lawmaker from Gbarpolu has already accused LWSC of bypassing this crucial legal step, which has only fueled suspicions of mismanagement and corruption. “Mo Ali, did you do competitive bidding as required by law for all projects at the US$250K threshold and above?” Kollie demanded, pointing out that no bid notice had been published in any local newspapers, as would be expected for such a significant project.
The lack of transparency surrounding the project’s financial details and the absence of proper bidding processes are not the only points of contention. Kollie also highlighted the possibility that LWSC may have used its own staff to carry out much of the labor, which could further reduce the overall cost of the project. Such practices, while not inherently illegal, have led some to question whether public funds were being utilized effectively and whether the resources allocated to the project could have been spent more efficiently.
Despite these allegations, Mo Ali has defended the project, posting a statement on his official Facebook page in response to Kollie’s criticisms. He questioned the accuracy of Kollie’s calculations and pointed to the broader cost comparisons made by USAID, which funded similar projects in the region. Ali also attempted to downplay the discrepancies in pricing by challenging Kollie to provide evidence of the piped network that the Bopolu system is supposed to serve, suggesting that Kollie’s sources of information were incomplete.
However, Kollie remains resolute in his call for full accountability. “We are not targeting anyone. We are holding everyone accountable,” he reiterated, stressing that his concern lies with the integrity of public funds, not with individual personalities. He further argued that the current government, under the leadership of President Boakai, had set a high bar for transparency in 2023, and it was imperative that this standard be upheld.
At the heart of Kollie’s argument is the need for value for money. He emphasized that while Bopolu, a small town with pressing water needs, certainly requires infrastructural development, it must not come at the expense of public trust. “The resources used in Gbarpolu belong to the people, not to you,” Kollie said, warning against the exploitation of vulnerable communities for personal gain.
