Monrovia—The Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), one of Liberia’s leading civil society organization, has condemned the legislature’s swift request for a US$1.8 million allocation to repair the joint chambers of the Capitol Building following a recent fire.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
STAND has termed the urgency to allot US$1.8 to renovate the joint chambers as a profound hypocrisy, emphasizing the government’s continued neglect of countless Liberians who have faced devastating fire disasters, rendering many families homeless and without support.
In a statement released Sunday, STAND highlighted the stark contrast in government priorities, denouncing the legislature’s focus on Capitol repairs while sidelining the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) in the 2024 national budget, which includes no provision for new fire trucks.
The organization deemed the legislature’s neglect of public fire safety as “utterly reprehensible,” particularly as they expect taxpayers to shoulder the costs of their infrastructure repairs.
Earlier this year, STAND sought international assistance to address the LNFS’s inadequate resources in managing fire outbreaks and safeguarding citizens, a plea that received commendable support from the United States Embassy in Monrovia.
STAND noted that criticism aimed at lawmakers has intensified over their failure to address the “Bread & Butter” needs of the populace, compounded by ongoing internal disputes that burden ordinary taxpayers.
STAND firmly insists that all 103 members of the national legislature—both senators and representatives—should fund the repairs through a collective salary reduction. The organization urges lawmakers to demonstrate genuine accountability and compassion by sparing taxpayers this financial burden, particularly during the holiday season, when countless families are struggling with significant economic challenges.
Mulbah Morlu, Chairman, STAND
As the nation awaits a credible investigation into the fire’s cause, STAND stated that it would be unjust to impose additional financial burdens on citizens by using taxpayer money for repairs. Such a demand, STAND believed, shows insensitivity toward the suffering of many citizens, particularly given the legislature’s track record of inefficiency.
In response to the Senate’s US$1.8 million request, STAND is calling for a collective salary reduction among the 103 members of the national legislature—both senators and representatives—to fund the repairs. The organization urges legislators to show accountability and compassion by relieving taxpayers of this financial responsibility, especially during the holiday season when families face significant economic challenges.
STAND is, however, calling on the government to prioritize its citizens’ needs, emphasizing that for nearly 180 years, ordinary Liberians have made sacrifices for their country without adequate returns.
While the populace continues to support the government, STAND insists it is time for the government to reciprocate by addressing the economic, healthcare, and educational needs of its citizens.
