By Amos Harris
IPNEWS: President Joseph N. Boakai’s decision to personally dedicate a newly constructed public restroom facility in Paynesville has triggered debate over presidential priorities, even as the project highlights Liberia’s continuing struggle with basic sanitation and public health.
The National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) dedicated the facility in the LBS Community of Paynesville City as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, describing the project as an intervention intended to address sanitation challenges and improve the dignity and wellbeing of residents.
Constructed in partnership with TOKLAH, Inc., the facility is expected to serve marketeers, residents, commuters and other community members who have long faced limited access to adequate sanitation facilities.
NOCAL President and Chief Executive Officer Fabian M. Lai defended the project, arguing that development should not only be measured through major infrastructure, economic growth or industrial projects, but also through interventions that directly affect the daily lives of ordinary Liberians.
“When we speak about national development, we often speak in terms of megawatts, metric tons, and GDP growth.
But today, we are speaking about dignity,” Lai said, emphasizing the importance of sanitation to public health and human development.
NOCAL has described the Paynesville facility as a pilot initiative that could be replicated in other vulnerable communities and major transit corridors, including Ganta, Buchanan, Bo Waterside, Gbarnga and Zwedru.
Lai also encouraged other state-owned enterprises and government institutions to undertake similar projects.
President Boakai applauded NOCAL for the initiative and toured the facility during its dedication ceremony on Friday, August 14, 2026.
His participation, however, has sparked questions about whether the President should personally attend relatively small community-level projects.
Critics argue that sanitation is undeniably important, but the President’s time and public visibility could be better concentrated on larger national challenges requiring direct presidential leadership.
They contend that ministers, local government officials or other senior government representatives could handle routine project dedications.
Paynesville resident Joseph Kollie questioned the President’s involvement, arguing that repeated appearances at small community projects could affect public perceptions of the office of the presidency.
He compared President Boakai’s participation to former President George M. Weah’s frequent attendance at community project ceremonies.
“Liberia is the only country where the President wants to be present everywhere and at every project,” Kollie said, calling for a clearer distinction between presidential responsibilities and routine government functions.
Beyond the debate over presidential visibility, questions have also emerged about the affordability of the facility.
Several marketeers reportedly told journalists that users will be required to pay for access, with one dry-fish seller claiming that the reported charges are LD$50 to use the toilet and LD$150 to take a bath.
The reported fees raise concerns about whether the facility will remain accessible to the low-income residents it is intended to serve.
If NOCAL’s objective is to promote public health and dignity among vulnerable citizens, authorities may need to clarify how the charges were established, who will manage the facility, how revenues will be collected and whether provisions exist for people unable to afford the fees.
The project therefore presents a mixed picture. On one hand, Liberia urgently needs improved sanitation facilities, particularly in crowded markets and communities where access to basic public services remains limited.
On the other hand, the President’s personal involvement in the dedication of a modest facility, combined with reported user charges, has created a broader debate about government priorities and public-service delivery.
The NOCAL restroom may be small in physical size, but the controversy surrounding its dedication has opened a much larger national conversation about presidential visibility, development priorities, sanitation, affordability and whether government interventions are reaching ordinary Liberians in ways that are both meaningful and accessible.
