Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – President Ellen Johnson-Sireaf has heaped praises on Buchanan City Mayor, Julia Bono, for leading the port city to build its first modern city hall in more than 180 years.
The Liberian leader attended the dedication program of the city hall on Friday, April 1 and again slammed her critics’ stance against her government’s performance, adding that the hall is an example that her government is working.
Her sarcasm, this time left some – people of Bassa – agreeing that government has made strides to transform the port city. Founded in 1833, Buchanan, the capital of Grand Bassa County is older than the republic and is regarded as the second capital of Liberia – next to Monrovia.
With a sea port and the presence of several multinational concessions including ArcelolMittal Liberia, the economic potential of the city is massive but the lack of modern infrastructure is a concern, while the municipal government continues to struggle for budgetary support.
At the dedication, Mayor Bono expressed the difficulties she endured when she assumed the responsibility more than two years ago, with only US$300 in the city government’s account at the time. Now, a US$295,000 city hall has been constructed in the city – a boost for the city.
“This project came into being when I received a check of US$29,500.00 from UMARCO – (shipping company based in Buchanan),” Mayor Bono explained to the audience.
“When I got the check, I photocopied it and sent copy to the Internal Affairs Minister and informed him about my decision for the money.” Mayor Bono told a local radio in the county before the program that it is about time that the country start putting up modern structures in her cities to meet the standard of a city across the world.
Madam Bono, an Ex- General of the Armed Forces of Liberia, lamented the difficult start as a mayor and the challenges in effecting the city ordinance. “When I took over, it was not easy; nobody knew cleanliness, about keeping the environment clean…; at the end of the day, they all appreciate me,” she said.
The Mayor thanked former Grand Bassa Senator Gbehzongar Findley for lobbying with President Sirleaf who made available the first US$50,000.00 to run the affairs of the city government and at the same time lauded the Chairman of the Bassa Legislative caucus, Senator Nyounblee Karnga-Lawrence for her cooperation and support.
And Former Grand Bassa Senator, Gbehzongar Findley described the building as a manifestation of having people in the county with vision, but he stressed that having investors in the county is significant to realizing the vision.
“When you have a President with vision, a superintendent with vision, a city mayor with vision and a legislature with vision, the people will not suffer,” he assured President Sirleaf that Grand Bassa has visionary leaders.
The Former Liberian Senate Pro Temp also praised Mayor Bono for her work, and asserted that investors have been scared away from the county by politicians.
For her Part, the Chair of the County Legislative Caucus expressed gratitude to Mayor Bono and President Sirleaf, saying it was important for the Liberian Leader to celebrate the achievement with the county. Senator Karnga-Lawrence believed the mayor has shown that she’s a dedicated worker who is loyal and a true daughter of Grand Bassa County’.
She called on Grand Bassa to give Mayor Bono the appropriate credit and recognition. “It’s a challenge to all leaders because when Madam Bono received that US$29, 500.00 check that was a test; today she has a testimony,” she said.
The Liberty Party Lawmaker used the occasion to request that government increased support for the city government and the planned pavement of the road leading to the Unification Pavilion on the Fairgrounds.
“We want to propose here, Madam President that Grand Bassa, being the second capital in this country, US$60,000 annually cannot do much for this city,” the Senator said, while further requesting that before the next budget reaches the President, a minimum of US$300,000 should be allotted for the Port City of Buchanan.
Speaking to FrontPageAfrica a day before the dedication ceremony, Mayor Bono expressed confidence that central government will shortly direct more support to municipal governments including the Buchanan City Corporation (BCC).
“We all (city governments) need money to help develop our cities and we have people that work day and night; we need to pay them but we still look up to our government,” said Mayor Bono.