Monrovia, Liberia – To address ongoing development projects in Liberia, USAID Mission Director Jim Wright, along with important stakeholders, met with Internal Affairs Minister Francis Sakela Nyumalin.
The meeting, according to a release dated Tuesday, August 27, 2024, highlighted areas of concern that require immediate action and emphasized the positive relationship between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and USAID.
In her opening remarks, Minister Nyumalin expressed her sincere gratitude for USAID’s and other partners’ significant contributions to Liberia’s growth.
He recognized the vital role these contributions—especially the founding of the County Council and the Ministry of Local Government—play in improving the nation’s infrastructure, governance, and service delivery.
The Minister did not back down from confronting urgent concerns that have come up, most notably the absence of local leaders—including the County Superintendent—from scheduled USAID activities.
The U.S. Embassy is concerned about the possible effects of this absence on current and upcoming projects, especially those in Foya and Zorzor, and has expressed anxiety over these developments.
In order to guarantee the accomplishment of USAID programs and other development projects, Minister Nyumalin underlined the significance of cooperation at all governmental levels.
“For these initiatives to yield the desired results, local government officials must be present and involved in the planning and execution stages,” he said, urging local leaders to get actively involved in these projects.
Establishing the Fiscal Board and providing financing for County Service Centers were other topics discussed at the meeting. These initiatives are essential to improving local administration and service delivery.
The Minister called on all parties to cooperate in order to overcome the difficulties encountered in carrying out these crucial projects, and reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an atmosphere that is favorable to cooperation.
Minister Nyumalin made a request for collaboration at the end of the meeting to make sure that county leaders’ perspectives are heard during the development process and that local government structures are improved. He said, “Let’s go forward together, making sure that every stakeholder contributes to creating a better Liberia.”
The talks laid the groundwork for a more cooperative strategy going ahead, with the aim of reviving interaction between national leaders and foreign partners to improve the efficiency of development projects all throughout the nation.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
