MONROVIA – A dual call for fiscal responsibility and equitable development echoed through the House of Representatives on Thursday, as two female lawmakers presented urgent demands, challenging the government to adhere to its own spending rules while also addressing critical infrastructure gaps that impact thousands of citizens.
By Jerromie S. Walters/Legislative Reporter wjerromie@womenvoicesnewspaper_i2sktp
Bong County Electoral District #6 Representative, Hon. Moima Briggs-Mensah, issued a sharp rebuke to the Executive Branch, declaring that the Legislature must take concrete action to enforce its policy restricting the cost of public officials’ vehicles to no more than US$45,000. She expressed deep concern that several high-ranking officials, including Ministers and Director-Generals, are flagrantly violating this policy by using vehicles valued in excess of US$60,000.
Representative Briggs-Mensah emphasized that such actions directly undermine the Legislature’s authority and its concerted efforts to promote fiscal discipline and responsible stewardship of public resources, urging Plenary to ensure uniform application of the policy across all branches of government and to mandate corrective measures for all violations.
Further intensifying her critique of the government’s revenue management, Representative Briggs-Mensah also called upon the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) to provide an immediate and clear explanation of how it intends to replace the significant revenue stream lost by the suspension of the Telecommunications International Gateway (TIA) agreement. She noted with alarm that the TIA has historically been a major contributor to the national budget and that its suspension, without a viable alternative framework, creates a dangerous void in the FY2025 financial plan.
The lawmaker lamented that “not a single cent” from what previously accrued under the TIA has been accounted for in the current draft budget, raising profound concerns about potential revenue shortfalls and the overall credibility and sustainability of the national spending plan, and she demanded swift action, transparency, and accountability to rectify the situation.
Meanwhile, the pressing needs of a populous constituency were brought to the forefront by Montserrado County Electoral District #5 Representative, Hon. Pricilla A. Cooper, who formally requested the inclusion of funding in the 2026 National Budget for three major development projects she described as essential for the well-being of her more than 75,000 constituents.
In a detailed communication to Plenary, Representative Cooper outlined a comprehensive proposal for the reconstruction and paving of the severely deteriorated Pago Island Road, which connects Oldest Congo Town to the Sinkor Old Road via Peace Island. She described the road’s current state as a safety crisis, creating hazardous conditions for commuters, stifling economic activity, and becoming nearly impassable during the rainy season, and she asserted that rehabilitating this vital artery would improve access to schools and health facilities, promote safety, and strengthen community connectivity for growth.
Representative Cooper further highlighted the urgent need to renovate and upgrade the only public school in the 72nd Community, the 72nd Public School, which serves a large and expanding student population from Red Light to Bassa Town but is plagued by severe overcrowding and deteriorating infrastructure that undermines the quality of learning. She also stressed the need to modernize the Police Academy Public School, arguing that creating safer and more conducive learning environments with enhanced sanitation and classroom facilities is a direct investment in academic outcomes and the nation’s human development goals.
Completing her district’s urgent needs, Representative Cooper appealed for budgetary support to establish a public health facility at the 72nd Community Clinic, pointing out the serious risk posed to community health by the current complete absence of a public clinic in the entire district, which hinders disease prevention, emergency maternal health response, and care for vulnerable groups including women, children, and the elderly. The House has since forwarded these detailed development proposals to its Committee on Ways, Means and Finance for thorough review and subsequent reporting to Plenary.
