Under Liberia Urban Resilience Project: MCC, World Bank Review Progress, Identify Additional Priorities

The Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) on Monday, June 15, 2026, held a roundtable discussion with representatives of the World Bank Group to review on-going interventions, assess challenges, and identify additional areas for support under the Liberia Urban Resilience Project (LURP).

The meeting brought together the World Bank’s Practice Manager for Urban, Resilience and Land, Madhu Raghunath; Urban Specialist, Santiago Arias; and representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and senior staffers of the MCC.

The Liberia Urban Resilience Project, a US$40 million initiative financed by the World Bank, seeks to increase flood resilience, improve access to urban infrastructure, and strengthen urban management in Greater Monrovia and other major cities in Liberia.

The project includes investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, drainage and flood risk management, solid waste management, urban planning, and institutional capacity development.

During the meeting, the World Bank delegation acknowledged the significant progress achieved thus far, particularly in drainage and waterway clearing activities, staff capacity building, and the integration of modern technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to support data-driven planning and decision-making.

The team noted that larger-scale interventions aimed at reducing urban flood risks and improving drainage infrastructure are forthcoming and will require sustained community engagement and collaboration with the city authorities.

The World Bank team also emphasized the need for a sustainable financing framework for solid waste management and a clearly defined governance structure for the sector, noting that these measures would strengthen the city’s case for additional investments and support.

In response, Monrovia City Mayor, John-Charuk Siafa, welcomed the progress recorded under the Liberia Urban Resilience Project and called for further technical assistance to finalize the financial model supporting the recently launched public-private partnership framework for waste collection services. He also highlighted the growing use of technology at the corporation, including the deployment of an active website and live performance dashboard to monitor and report institutional progress.

Mayor Siafa further reported improvements in municipal revenue generation under the project and underscored the urgent need to address waste management infrastructure challenges, particularly the pressure on existing landfill facilities and transfer stations.

The Monrovia City Corporation said they remain committed to transforming Monrovia into a thriving, inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and rapidly developing metropolitan city and a leading tourist destination.