Gov’t Scores Good Marks in Agric, Education and Sanitation

On the scorecard of the 100 Days of Deliverables released by the Government of Liberia(GoL) through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) has given credits in the areas of Agric, Education and Sanitation.

The report of 100-Day Action Plan Assessment Report, which was launched by the Ministry  recently, examines the government’s progress consistent with its short-term policy priorities.  The plan was developed to address critical needs of the Liberian people while laying the foundation for the development of a medium-term plan.  

Within the short period, the GoL  under the stewardship of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai  has improved transparency and accountability in the governance space by enforcing the rule of law, strengthening financial oversight, and promoting ethical practices across all sectors to combat corruption effectively.

The improvement of infrastructure with special emphasis on making primary roads pliable during all seasons, and upgrading ICT and meteorological equipment at Liberia’s premier airport, Roberts International Airport (RIA), are a few outstanding accomplishments.  Furthermore, the fight against drugs and the provision of educational opportunities to youth is a notable progress mentioned in the report.  

Agriculture Pillar

Under this pillar, the government conducted the National Agricultural Census Exercise, completed data collection with the data analysis ongoing. 

The government also drafted the National Agriculture Development Plan and awaiting validation; secured budgetary Seed Money as Counterpart funding for the creation of Agriculture and Enterprise Development Bank.

Currently, Food Security Strategy is at 95% completion rate  as the government also went on to  launch and began cultivation on the University of Liberia Farm for the sole purpose of feeding students, generating income and for practical training and research.

Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture is now cultivating 1000 hectares of lowland at Fuamah Multipurpose Cooperative in Bong Mines.  

EDUCATION SECTOR

With education being a key cornerstone to the government’s ARREST Agenda, the government allotted US$ 579,119 for the payment of arrears for both local and international scholarship students. These arrears include underwriting expenditures such as: monthly allowances, resettlement assistance, French language training programs, air ticket cost, and other administrative and operational costs associated with students’ wellbeing.

The Government of Liberia also committed to: pay scholarship arrears for local and foreign students; invest in Youth Capacity Building in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) for the first six months and complete the construction of 25 schools.

The government made headways with the appropriation of US$3,500,000 (3.5M) in the FY2024 budget for the payment of WASSCE fees.

Meanwhile, the Youth Capacity Building in ICT Project has been launched with several activities initiated or completed:

These include: assessment of major facilities to host the training in seven counties (completed) online registration portal/platform to vet students has been developed and made accessible, development and validation of training curriculum (completed), establishment of National Steering Committee and Project Management Unit (PMU) and the approval by the Inter-Ministerial Committee of training activities.

The GoL is on the verge of completing 25 schools under the Improving Results in Secondary Schools (IRISE) program.

Of the 25 schools, 16 are at 100% civil works completion and only require the installation of solar panels, furnishing, school supplies and materials. Additionally, 90% of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) schools targeted are at 100% civil works completion and waiting to be furnished with solar system, school supplies and materials.

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT SECTOR (SANITATION)

The 100-day report disclosed government5’s commitment to the cleaning of excess sewage spillage in Monrovia; restoration of water supply to Central Monrovia; improving water supply in Bushrod Island (Water Pressure and Customer Services); and restoration of water to Kakata and Buchanan.

“The cleaning of sewage lines has commenced across central Monrovia and the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation has commissioned four additional sewer tankers to facilitate the cleaning of sewerage across Monrovia and its environs. Additionally, progress has been made on the following: Cleaning of sewage is at 20% and is anticipated to significantly increase; o The water reservoirs in Monrovia and Paynesville have been repaired at 95% and are anticipated to be tested the first week in May 2024; o The Caldwell water facility has been significantly repaired; The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) negotiated for an increase in power capacity supply from Cote D’Ivoire Energies from 25 MW to 50 MW; The LEC has also launched a project for the electrification of the area covering St. Paul Bridge to Po River and gap areas along Kakata corridor including Johnsonville Township and Careysburg District; The Marshall Township, Roberts International Airport (RIA) and Edward Beyan Kesselly Barracks have been electrified and connected to the National Electricity Grid. National Environmental Policy Council has been established to direct and guide EPA’s policies; o The Ministry of Mines & Energy (MME) has completed the compilation of Mining Licenses into categories; The Ministry has also completed capacity needs assessment and has initiated the baseline review for the formalization of artisanal mining,” the report indicates.