Departments of the Ministry of Public Works
The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) is organized into several key departments, units, and divisions that collectively fulfill its mandate to design, build, supervise, maintain, and regulate public infrastructure throughout Liberia—including roads, bridges, drainage systems, public buildings, zoning and construction standards.
Below is a summary of the major departments, their functions, and how they relate to the overall mission of MPW.
1. Administration Department
Purpose & Functions
The Administration Department handles internal operations, human resources, procurement, logistics, financial management, and general support services. It ensures that the Ministry is well-staffed, resourced, and operationally efficient.
Key Responsibilities
- Human Resources & Training
- Facilities & Asset Management
- Procurement, Supplies & Equipment
- Financial Management / Budgeting
- Communications & IT Support
2. Technical Services Department / Engineering & Design
Purpose & Functions
This department oversees the technical and engineering aspects of infrastructure planning, design, quality assurance, supervision, and standards enforcement. It ensures that all public works follow accepted engineering, architectural and construction norms.
Key Responsibilities
- Surveying, drafting, and structural design
- Oversight of construction contracts and supervision
- Standards enforcement for public buildings and infrastructure
- Review of architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical plans
- Ensuring compliance to construction codes
3. Rural Development Department
Purpose & Functions
Given Liberia’s rural geography and development needs, this department focuses on extending infrastructure benefits beyond urban centers by promoting rural roads, feeder roads, and access to remote communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Planning, construction, and maintenance of rural and feeder roads
- Community outreach and participatory infrastructure planning
- Supporting water, sanitation, and community public works in rural areas
4. Infrastructure Implementation Unit (IIU)
Purpose & Functions
The Infrastructure Implementation Unit is a specialized agency under MPW responsible for executing high-impact, donor-funded or large-scale infrastructure projects. It functions with greater autonomy in procurement, oversight, and project management.
Key Responsibilities
- Project delivery of major road, bridge, and drainage works
- Coordination with donors, contractors, and stakeholders
- Environmental and social safeguards, impact assessments
- Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on infrastructure performance
5. Contractors Classification & Certification System (CCCS)
Purpose & Functions
The CCCS is a regulatory / certification arm within the Ministry that classifies and qualifies contractors, consultants, and construction firms for public works projects. In order to bid on MPW contracts, companies must register through CCCS.
Key Responsibilities
- Registration, evaluation, and classification of contractors
- Issuance and renewal of certification (annual)
- Inspection and validation of contractor credentials
- Ensuring that contractors meet minimum technical, financial, and equipment criteria
6. Zoning Division / Building Regulation
Purpose & Functions
MPW has statutory authority to regulate construction standards, issue permits, and enforce zoning and building regulations for non-governmental buildings.
Key Responsibilities
- Review and approval of building plans and permits
- Enforcement of building codes, fire safety, and structural compliance
- Coordination with Liberia Land Authority for land-use and zoning
- Oversight of the Building Inspectorate Unit, Division of Architecture, Electrical & Mechanical divisions (where applicable)
7. Monitoring, Evaluation & Research Division
Purpose & Functions
This division ensures that projects and operations across MPW follow performance indicators, quality standards, and strategic goals. It supports decision-making with data, research and feedback loops.
Key Responsibilities
- Performance monitoring of roads, bridges, public works
- Research, planning, and forecasting
- Data collection, GIS/mapping
- Lessons learned, audit feedback, continuous improvement
8. Land Use & Planning (Zoning & Urban Development)
Purpose & Functions
Within its mandate, MPW engages in urban planning, land-use regulation, rezoning, and ensuring that infrastructure fits with national spatial development planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Development and enforcement of zoning policies
- Coordination with municipalities and local government
- Integrating infrastructure planning with land use
9. Resident Engineers / County Offices (Decentralized Units)
Purpose & Functions
These are localized engineering or maintenance offices in counties or regions. They implement and monitor road maintenance, public works, and serve as MPW’s point of presence in counties. The role of resident engineers has in some contexts shifted from maintenance operatives to decentralized MPW representatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Execution of local contracts, maintenance, oversight
- Liaison between communities and central MPW
- Reporting on local infrastructure needs and issues
