MONROVIA – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-sponsored project has helped the Liberia Land Authority (LLA) to become visible on the world wide web at www.lla.gov.lr
Jamel Liverpool, USAID’s Democracy, Rights and Governance Advisor, making remarks Wednesday, April 10, in Monrovia at the official launch of the LAA’s website, also stated that USAID is going to ensure that the Land Authority is equipped with the relevant infrastructure it needs to deliver on the ever-important mandate.
The launching ceremony Wednesday, April 10, was witnessed by Kou Dorliae, Deputy Justice Minister for Economic Affairs, Alphonso B. Henries of Civil Society Organization, Linus Pott, Land Administration Specialist of World Bank, officials of LLA and others.
Liverpool said the launch of the website is a monumental step towards enhancing the visibility of the LLA and its important role in advancing the overall improvement of the lives of every day Liberians.
He said USAID, through the Land Governance Support Activity (LGSA), continues to be a strategic partner with the LLA and government, as it seeks to further its development goals.
“Today’s launch is further evidence of the LLA’s commitment to enhancing public awareness of the Land Rights Act and other relevant policies. The LLA’s mission as the principal driver of the implementation of the Land Rights Act uniquely positions the authority as an integral agent for change in the Liberian society,” Mr. Liverpool, who stood-in for USAID-Liberia Mission Director Dr. Anthony Chan, said.
According to him, the possibility of ensuring long-term economic growth through individual and community land ownership is becoming a reality, now that the acquisition of land rights is accessible to all Liberians.
“It’s our hope that this website will be used for its intended purpose, regularly updated to enable stakeholders and the general population to get up-to-date information on programming of the LLA,” he said.
Mr. Liverpool said while the website remains a welcoming venture, it is significant to note that the dissemination of land tenure cannot be limited to website.
Dr. Johannes Gebremedhin, Chief of Party of the Land Governance Support Activity (LGSA), a USAID-supported project, said the launch of the website presents to his organization the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the institutional development of the land and to support efforts that the LLA is making to meet the expectation of the people of Liberia for improved land administration.
Dr. Gebremedhin said the LLA has supported the LLA to take positive steps towards building a functioning land administration system and implementing the Land Rights Act, stating yet much work remains to be done.
“The LLA website that is being formally launched today represents one aspect of the LGSA’s support to the LLA in relation to its institutional development. LGSA remains delighted to see that the LLA is meeting the development objectives of the website with great interest,” Dr. Gebremedhin said.
According to him, for the website to effectively contribute to the work of the LLA, the information provided through the website should always be accurate, current and informative.
Atty. J. Adams Manobah, acting chairman of the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), who launched the website said the website remains cardinal to the working of the authority.
He said utilizing technology of current dispensation by any institution creates an opportunity for progress, stating that the LLA is prepared to make maximum use of technology.
“We are launching the website in fulfillment of requirement of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). We are aware what Liberia stands to benefit, because one of the requirements is to get an active website,” Mr. Manobah said.
Mr. Manobah lauded partners, including USAID, LGSA, the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance and Development for the support provided to LLA.
Linus Pott, Land Administration Specialist of World Bank, said the launch of the website is the first step to increasing public awareness of the LLA’s activities.
Mr. Pott said the launch also shows some level of transparency by the LLA, as people/citizens need to know the activities of the authority.