MARJIBI COUNTY, Liberia – Residents of Margibi County engaged directly with their elected representative in a public forum this month, outlining a series of pressing demands for improved governance, infrastructure, and social services.
The dialogue, facilitated on December 8, 2025, by the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) with support from the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, aimed to strengthen legislative accountability. It brought together citizens, traditional leaders, and District #3 Representative, who also chairs the Women’s Legislative Caucus.
Following a presentation of a legislative monitoring report, constituents raised urgent concerns spanning healthcare, education, disability rights, and infrastructure.
Key requests from the community included the online publication of legislative reports to improve transparency, the rebuilding of the C.H. Rennie Hospital into a regional referral center, and the expansion of community colleges and technical vocational centers. Participants also advocated for better road and electricity connectivity to support agriculture and called for stronger sanitation regulations.
On social issues, citizens recommended establishing rehabilitation centers for underprivileged youth and fast-tracking pension payments. Regarding the sensitive topic of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), participants suggested a legislative focus on consent rather than an outright ban.
In response, the lawmaker outlined several ongoing efforts. She disclosed that the House of Representatives is advocating for additional staff in lawmakers’ offices to ensure representation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. She also noted discussions with the National Lottery Authority to direct corporate social responsibility funds toward persons with disabilities in Margibi.
The lawmaker confirmed the passage of the “Old Folks Bill” in the House, now pending in the Senate, and stated the Margibi legislative caucus is pushing for C.H. Rennie Hospital to be included in the national budget. She also announced a commitment from the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation to begin official water connections in the county by 2026.
The Relieving Commissioner for Margibi, who opened the forum, emphasized that such regular dialogues are critical for improving accountability and collaboration between communities and their leaders.
The event is part of a broader WONGOSOL initiative, implemented alongside partners like the Federation of Liberian Youth, to enhance inclusive governance and citizen participation across Liberia.
