President George Weah has assured that about 85,000 petty traders including market women and other vulnerable Liberians trading informally will benefit from the U.S Government’s cash transfer program.
As part of his address to the nation on the expenditure and income of the country in the year under review yesterday at the Capitol Building, President Weah said his government is working with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to deliver US$10 Million as COVID-19 cash transfer program.
He further explained that to avoid duplication of payments to the same individuals, the Government of Liberia will underwrite the cost of providing biometric identification cards to these 85,000 Liberians while the distribution of the government’s US$2.0 million will greatly benefit enrollment under the USAID supported program.
In the meantime, the Liberian leader emphasized that a budgetary amount of US$2.0 Million has been paid to healthcare workers as part of their hazard pay while COVID-19 related relief was also extended to healthcare workers and private school teachers.
“Government has also provided US$1.0 Million to the Ministry of Education for private school teachers throughout Liberia; this payment is through a digital platform and is presently ongoing,” he stated.
In spite of financial constraints, President Weah said his government has been determined to focus its attention on various community development schemes that would enhance the living standards of the people.
Meanwhile, he said to ensure that his government achieves the goals of its national development plan which is coined as the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD) on whose platform he was elected, it is about time that they review the progress and achievements made and re-calibrate where necessary.
“Looking ahead in this coming year and beyond, the focus of my government has always been my people and how I can improve their lives. The only way this can be achieved is by moving closer to the communities and working with them directly to empower them economically, to provide basic social services, and improve their lives in all aspects. This is clearly the focus of the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development,” President Weah stated.
Meanwhile, President Weah stressed that the coronavirus challenge did not prevent the government from working for its people through the Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development as the key focus remains infrastructure development and continuous policy reforms in sectors such as tourism and agriculture.
Personally, President Weah disclosed that his scholarship scheme which started early in the 1990s, continues to support thousands of students in several high schools, undergraduate universities as well as graduate and professional schools; granting support to young entrepreneurs to give them a head start.