Monrovia

Greater Monrovia has expanded rapidly across wetlands, low-lying coastal land and neighbouring settlements, increasing exposure to flooding while stretching roads and basic services. Dense informal neighbourhoods are especially vulnerable where drainage channels are incomplete or blocked and where development has reduced natural areas that store storm water.

The Liberia Urban Resilience Project combines drainage investment, neighbourhood and market upgrading, wetland protection and stronger urban planning. Earlier water and sanitation programmes also rehabilitated supply and sewer infrastructure in the capital. This integrated approach is essential because flooding, land use and service delivery reinforce one another. Monrovia’s future growth depends on protecting natural drainage systems while extending reliable streets, water and sanitation to neighbourhoods, so that resilience becomes part of everyday urban development rather than only a response to disasters.