By Grace Q. Bryant
The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to funding the long-delayed Monrovia Metropolitan Climate Resilience Project, a key initiative aimed at combating sea erosion and safeguarding coastal communities.
Deputy Minister for Economic Management at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Dehpue Zuo, made this announcement while addressing the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Launched in 2021, the project was developed through a collaboration between the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Liberian government to enhance climate resilience along Monrovia’s coastline. However, delays in Liberia’s financial contributions have hindered its full implementation.
Under the agreement, the GCF committed US$17.3 million, UNDP pledged US$1.6 million, and Liberia was required to contribute US$6.8 million in both cash and in-kind support, such as labor and materials.
However, Zuo revealed that before the new administration took office in February 2024, Liberia had only contributed US$50,000 of its required US$2.4 million cash commitment. This shortfall led to an international funding freeze, stalling the project.
“The Green Climate Fund’s disbursement was dependent on Liberia fulfilling its obligations, which had not been met,” Zuo explained.
To jumpstart the project, the new administration has allocated an initial $500,000 for 2024 and plans to contribute an additional $500,000 annually over the next four years to meet its financial obligation.
Zuo assured lawmakers that the government had now integrated this commitment into the national budget to prevent further delays.
He emphasized the initiative’s importance in preventing worsening coastal erosion, flooding, and economic displacement adding, “The Ministry is committed to ensuring this project is fully implemented.”
The delay has left coastal communities vulnerable, with seasonal floods causing extensive damage and financial losses. Montserrado County District 7 Representative Emmanuel Dahn warned that further inaction would escalate costs and urged immediate intervention.
Zuo acknowledged the challenges inherited but reiterated the government’s determination to fulfill Liberia’s commitments.
“This administration is making it a priority to resolve these delays and get the project back on track,” he stressed.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Executive Director Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo underscored the significance of the GCF, which was established to help developing nations mitigate climate change. Through this fund, Liberia secured financial support to address coastal erosion.
“The EPA is overseeing project implementation in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Mines and Energy. However, disbursements were halted because Liberia failed to meet its financial commitments,” Yarkpawolo explained.
Director Yarkpawolo further noted that the government had struggled to meet its US$2.5 million cash requirement, delaying research and planning.
However, following a renewed push by the new administration, initial design work—including a bicycle lane and enhanced coastal protections for West Point, has been completed. This progress unlocked the next US$2 million disbursement from the GCF.
Despite these advancements, he highlighted an additional $7.3 million funding gap due to project design improvements aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability.
“We remain committed to achieving the project’s goals but will need further resources to fully address the impacts of climate change,” director Yarkpawolo said.
The Monrovia Coastal Defense Project remains a cornerstone of Liberia’s broader climate resilience strategy, essential for protecting lives, infrastructure, and economic activities along the country’s vulnerable coastline.