Liberia:  Margibi Lawmaker Emmanuel Yarh Presents Legislative Annual Report to Constituents

Margibi County—Representative Emmanuel O. Yarh has presented his first legislative annual report to his constituents on his stewardship at the 55th National Legislature with infrastructure and human resource developments topping his accomplishments.

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By: Yawah Y. Jaivey/[email protected]

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The Margibi County Electoral District# 4 Representative stated that during the reporting period, there were some gains and challenges.

“We are proud that the successes we made are far more and tangible than the failure we had. And it is the principle of tolerance and accepting and working with people regardless of their political belief that has made it possible.” Rep. Yarh remarked.

Highlights of the report

The Margibi County Lawmaker’s legislative report highlighted his legislative and developmental performance review in the first year of his activities in the 55th Legislature after ascending to the post after securing victory in a highly contested electoral race featuring 12 candidates.

He mentioned that during the period under review, his office in consultation with his constituents constructed several tangible projects in the district.

Rep. Yarh disclosed that in fulfillment of his political manifestos, he has made several achievements and kickstarted ongoing initiatives aimed at youth and women empowerment, infrastructure development, and transparency.

Presenting his report to the diverse audience that included youth and women leaders, town chiefs, and township commissioners on Wednesday in Compound Town, Larkayta Township, Rep. Yarh emphasized the significant progress made despite lacking direct government funding for district projects in his first year.

Rep. Yarh added that key achievements included utilizing the China-Union District Scholarship Fund and his personal initiatives.

The Margibi District Four Representative disclosed that he fully funded a youth and women empowerment initiative in Larkay-Ta, collaborating with K-TEC-Liberia to launch a Technical and Light Duty Driving Skills Training Program that enrolled 510 young individuals, graduating 402, with a total investment of $17,910.

Additionally, to alleviate economic hardships and support education, Rep. Yarh revealed that his office implemented two financial assistance programs, including a monthly remittance scheme in the tone of $2,000 to 27 needy individuals, totaling approximately $19,200 in its first year.

He added that he worked alongside with his Bong County colleague, Rep. Foday Fahnbulleh and local leaders, in securing $20,000 for scholarships from China Union—which is benefiting nearly 711 students in District #4.

Despite successes, Rep. Yarh noted the lack of resources from the national government for legislative projects.

Rep. Yarh speaking on youth and women empowerment disclosed that during the period under review his office initiated financial program that saw over 400 women benefitting from a vigorous relief program with funding exceeding 660,000 Liberian Dollars directed towards women’s groups and market entrepreneurs.

Rep. Yarh noted that with his strong focus on transparency and inclusive governance has led to the establishment of the District Development Council (DDC) and facilitated significant community engagement through various district meetings.

“This leadership approach not only restores sanity but sets a new standard for legislative representation in Margibi County,” Rep. Yarh said, stressing the importance of community engagement and fiscal accountability in his tenure.

Rep.Yarh said during the electoral campaign, he was repeatedly approached by residents from various towns seeking improvements to poor road connectivity that hindered their daily lives.

He stated that the citizens urged him at the time to address this urgent need upon his election. True to his word, he said with just one month after being elected, he successfully negotiated a strategic partnership with a well-regarded heavy-duty equipment supplier in Monrovia.

Additionally, Rep. Yarh disclosed that under the agreement, he made an initial payment of 50 percent—amounting to US$33,500—with the remainder to be paid in installments.

Continuing, he disclosed, “The equipment provider promptly fulfilled the transaction, marking a significant step forward for the district’s infrastructure. On March 29, 2024, I officially dedicated a LOVOL Front Loader to the district, a vital piece of machinery that has already played a crucial role in the construction of three major roads and the rehabilitation of various others.”

Rep. Yarh asserted that the purchase of the road equipment has led to the building several farm-to-market roads, including the Sherman Farm to Yemen Road, Yemen to Kaytaylay Town Road, Gborlormue Road, Plumue to Siakie Town Road, Palm Farm Road, and City View Road.

Also, Rep. Yarh divulged that he constructed several infrastructures, including markets for streets sellers in Kakata City, terminal, for motorcyclists, bus station, sanitation facilities for villages, among many others.

Roadmap for the coming year

“We are working to ensure that the welfare of our people stands out, and we are making sure that the standards that we have set in District# 4 remain and sustained. We therefore ask our citizens to join us in achieving these ambitious plans, especially for roads connectivity across the district.” Rep Yarh noted.

He revealed that he has ambitious plans for people of his district noting that he was aware of the many challenges that lie ahead, but he is equally prepared to face them.

Receiving the report, Margibi District Four Development Council chairman, Emmanuel Folley, expressed gratitude to Rep. Yarh for setting the standard of accounting for his stewardship.

Mr. Folley stated that the report would be used to evaluate the workings of their lawmaker—and it put them in a better position for them as citizens to make the necessary advice to amend any missteps.