Monrovia, Liberia – In order to improve service delivery and accomplish important national goals under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has submitted a US$45 million draft supplemental budget to the National Legislature for approval.
On behalf of Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Acting Finance and Development Planning Minister Anthony G. Myers presented the proposal to House Speaker Richard N. Koon on Monday. According to Section 23.1 of the Public Financial Management Law, the supplemental budget is covered by US$5 million from domestic revenue overperformance and US$40 million from delayed World Bank budget support.
The health sector will get US$10.9 million for drug response programs and the planned National Children’s Hospital, while the education sector is anticipated to receive US$7.3 million for teacher enrolment, school nutrition programs, and WAEC responsibilities. US$18.5 million has been set aside for other priority areas like security and rule of law, while US$7.2 million has been designated for infrastructure and basic services, including assistance for the government’s “yellow machines” campaign. The budget, according to Acting Minister Myers, represents a change in policy that will increase access to vital services and fortify social protection institutions.
Speaker Koon praised the proposal and the administration for giving social spending and major development projects first priority, especially the plans for a National Children’s Hospital and monies for the University of Liberia. After passage, the country’s budget would rise by 3.6% to more than $1.29 billion. The proposed budget shows the government’s dedication to maintaining ongoing national development initiatives while tackling urgent social and economic issues.
