Kakata, Margibi County – Citizens of Margibi County have for the first time in four years convened their county siting aimed at apportioning fund allotted as
Report by Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The exercise is in line with Section 9 of the National Budget Law of Liberia, which calls for mass citizens’ participation in the decision-making process over the allotments and utilization of the County Social Development Fund (CSDF).
Of the total US$232,666 as the county’s fiscal budget for 2018/2019, US$150,000 was allotted to the five electoral districts for development purposes.
Each of the districts is expected to receive US$30,000 to fund their incomplete or evolving projects. US$27,500 was allocated towards the payment of debt incurred during the past national county sports tournament and US$25,000 was allotted for 2018/2019 national county sports meet.
The amount of US$23,000 (10% of the total CSDF) was apportioned as operational fund to the Project Management Committee (PMC), while US$7,166 was set dispensed as county emergency fund.
Meanwhile,delegates including chiefs, elders, commissioners and representatives of civilsociety organizations among others elected the PMC members for a three-yearterm following a thorough vetting process by a five-man ad hoc committee drawnfrom the five electoral districts.
Those elected include Thompson M. Nanah as the PMC Chairman, A. Baysah Kollie, Comptroller and Nah A. David, Treasurer.
Speaking at the start of the meeting on Wednesday, November 14, the presiding officer and Chairman of the county’s legislative caucus, Rep. Ben Fofana (District #4) said although the CSDF was meager, there was a need to hold the sitting as mandated by law and to discuss pertinent issues of development relating to the county.
He thanked all stakeholders including the legislative caucus, county administration and the delegates for convening for the sitting, something he noted that has not happened in four years.
Giving the Legislative Caucus’ report, Rep Ivar K. Jones (District #2) disclosed that following their induction in January, the Caucus, among other things elected its leadership to work alongside the administration of the county.
According to him, they include Reps. Ben A. Fofana, Chairman, Ellen A. Attoh (District#3), Co-chairperson, Ivar K. Jones (District #2), Secretary-General, Clarence A. Garr (District #5), Treasurer and Tibelrosa S. Tarponweh (District #1) was elected as an Advisor of the Margibi County Legislative Caucus.
Others include Senators Jim Tornolah, Chaplain and Oscar Cooper serves as a member.
Rep Jones also revealed that the amount of US$207,666 was allotted to Margibi in the 2018/2019 fiscal budget as the county’s social development fund and US$25,000 for corporate social development fund; totaling to US$232,666 as the county’s fiscal budget for 2018/2019.
Superintendent Jerry Varney, in his report noted that his administration inherited several unfinished projects including the Unification Townhall, the BWI Multipurpose Center.
Mr. Varney indicated that although there are still controversies over some of these projects and the past administration is subject to audit, there was a need to prioritize their completion for the benefit of the county.
“It is also prudent for our delegates in the hall to rethink and try to prioritize those unfinished projects. While it is true that the past administration will have to be audited, we cannot leave those projects undone,” he averred.