By Grace Bryant
A major coastal defense project meant to protect vulnerable communities from sea erosion has remained inactive for five years, despite receiving US$17.2 million in funding, thereby sparking outrage among lawmakers.
During a recent legislative session, Representative Emmanuel Dahn, of Montserrado County, expressed deep frustration over the lack of progress, revealing that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) contributed US$1.6M, while the Government of Liberia allocated US$6.8M toward the initiative. Despite these financial commitments, no significant work has been done to construct a coastal defense structure that could safeguard communities from the encroaching sea.
Representative Dahn called on the Legislature to summon, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Augustine K. Ngafuan Minister of Finance and Development Planning, to provide an update on the stalled project.
He emphasized the urgent need for accountability, stating, “If the funds were received, the EPA must inform us about how they were used. If the Government of Liberia made its payments, the Ministry of Finance must explain where the money has gone. Five years have passed, and not a single step has been taken to address this crisis.”
Dahn was supported by his colleagues; the lawmakers underscored the devastating impact of sea erosion, particularly in West Point, PHP Township, and other coastal communities, where residents continue to lose homes, properties, and, in some cases, their lives.
The issue of coastal erosion is not new in Liberia. In recent years, rising sea levels and extreme weather events have displaced entire communities, yet proposed solutions have largely remained on paper.
Dahn reminded lawmakers that in 2021, the project had a clear financial structure in place, with funds earmarked for immediate action.
However, he noted, “From 2021 to date, not a single effort has been applied to remedy the situation. No construction, no progress—just silence. This is unacceptable.”
The lawmaker demands for transparency are gaining momentum, with increased calls for legislative hearings to investigate why the project has stalled. They insist that those responsible for managing the funds must be held accountable.
“This is not just about one district or one county. Sea erosion is a national crisis affecting many parts of Liberia. We cannot sit by while our people suffer. The time for action is now,” he stated. The EPA and the Ministry of Finance are expected to provide a formal response. Lawmakers have made it clear that they will not back down until a full audit of the project’s funds is conducted and tangible steps are taken to begin construction.