MONROVIA – Members of the Liberian Senate have identified and outlined multiple societal ills and challenges strangulating the improvement of the living conditions of Liberians and the socio-economic and political advancements of the country, with a vow to use their constitutional responsibilities to ensure that these impediments are addressed through a program-based budgeting process.
By Obediah Johnson
The Senators observed that the failure of past and current governments to address these herculean challenges that are presenting existing in Liberia makes them (Senators) to be disrespected and insulted by their constituents on a regular basis.
Their assertions were contained in separate remarks made during the 1st Day Sitting of the 1st Session held in the Chambers of the Liberian Senate on Tuesday, January 16, 2023.
Speaking during the session, Gbarpolu County Senator Gbotoe Kanneh claimed that she has allegedly strangulated by the ongoing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) led-government from carrying out developments in her county.
She said Mineral Development Agreements (MDAs) have been signed by the government for the operations of companies across Liberia to benefit the citizens, but some of those companies are not benefitting the locals.
She noted that these companies have also outsourced its operations to foreigners, leaving the locals unemployed.
“The Chairman on Lands and Mines of the Senate needs to take this very serious. It is our right as Liberians to own big mining license. But it is not helping us. Instead, we are selling them to the foreigners.”
Senator Kanneh observed that though the roads conditions in Gbarpolu remain deplorable, excavators, bulldozers and other heavy duty earth moving equipment are transported to mining sites in the county on a regular basis.
This, she said, is also damaging the roads.
“When we talk about mineral resources in Gbarpolu County, we are rich-but the people are very poor.”
She said the hospital constructed in the county by the government and its partners lack medical supplies.
“The road leading to the hospital was given out by the Public Works Minister to do. But for God sake, the hospital that was built with US$20million, the dust is eating it up. Where are we? We want it to be rescued.” In the Belle Forest, there is no justice. What is happening there is very risky.”
Also speaking Senator Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba County observed that monies were made available to some government ministries and agencies that failed to perform.
He expressed the hope that more investors will come to Liberia if Senators work together in the interest of their people.
“Our country needs development. You are here for your people; stand by your people and make sure that we put something in the budget for those communities to carry out developments.”
Also speaking, Grand Gedeh County Senator Zoe Pennue observed the increase in the number of ghettoes across the country.
This, he said is contributing to the increase in the number of disadvantaged youths on the streets in Liberia.
He challenged the Senate to ensure that those nominated to head security agencies, especially the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) are competent and qualified Liberians.
Senator Pennue maintained that the health sector of south-eastern Liberia continue to experience the consistent lack of medicines and ambulance to take patients from one point to another.
“Let us look at the youth, health sector, security and education. Distinguished colleagues, let us sit and do our best. Our roads in the south-eastern part of Liberia are bad. Let all of us work together as a team and be united.”
He claimed that many citizens of the county didn’t participate in the just ended elections due to bad road conditions.
Senator Edwin Snowe of Bomi County expressed the hope that with the caliber of those serving as members of the Liberian Senate, the upper House will succeed in its legislative workings.
He observed that the just ended elections which divided the country are over, but opposition lawmakers would support the incoming government for the benefit of all Liberians.
“The need to reconcile the country is extremely important. Let us look for people that will serve us in the respective positions of trust. Let us do the right thing; let’s put this country together by working together.”
He said “back ground checks” must be conducted on presidential appointees prior to their confirmation by the Senate.
Rivercess County Senator Wellington Geevon Smith observed that Liberians voted for a change in national leadership with the anticipation that things will become better.
He said it is now time for the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to practicalize her consistent call for a “program-based” budget, during her days as an opposition lawmaker, for the benefit of the citizenry.
“Our national budget in Liberia today is between US$500 to US$700million. Can we increase the County Development Fund to US$2million, that’s just US$30million? It’s time to resuscitate the country. I supported the RESCUE program not because I hated the CDC. I supported the program with the conviction that they will not be using CDC failures as an excuse for our failure.”
Senator Numene Bartekwa of Grand Kru County called for a change in the date set aside for the conduct of general elections in Liberia.
He observed that it is very challenging for citizens to participate in the elections during the rainy season.
He called on his colleagues to scout out means to serve as additional sources of revenue generation for Liberia.
“All of us are part of this government. There are lots of revenues that we cannot identify. If we really study and strategize in terms of revenue generation for the budget, we can raise more revenue.”
Senator Bartekwa further called for the appropriation of funds in the national budget to counties across Liberia regardless of size, location or population.
“When a nominee comes before us and fails confirmation, there is a tendency on the appointing power to appoint that person as acting in that capacity. Most times they are acting. They continue to act perpetually and that is wrong,” Senator Jonathan Sogbie of River Gee County stated.
He said the Senate should only grant 90 days for appointed officials to act.
‘If that person is not good, he or she should not continue to act after three months. Within that time, the person should face confirmation hearing otherwise, you will be circumventing the authority of this Legislature.”
He noted that the Liberian Senate must also ensure that the nation abides to all protocols and treaties signed with regional and international bodies.
Meanwhile, the Plenary of the Liberian Senate has resolved to setup an Ad-Hoc Committee to setup an agenda from concerns, expectations and experiences proffered by Senators.
The Senators further committed themselves to ensure the thorough monitoring of the national judgment implementation process by line government ministries and agencies.
They also exercise their oversight responsibility in a robust manner and form and to ensure that presidential appointees are competent and qualified to serve in government.
The Senators further underscored the need for the decentralization of development and public services across the 15 counties.