Several superintendents of various counties are recommending an increment in the County Development Funds (CDF) in the national budget.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, 12 superintendents recently nominated by President Joseph Boakai appeared before the Senate Committee on Internal Affairs and Rural Development, stating convincing reasons for their confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
The superintendents-designate who faced the Committee include Whioway Bryant, Montserrado; Alex Chersia Grant, Grand Gedeh; Henry Cole, Maryland; Byron W. Zahnwea, Rivercess, and Antoinette W. Nimely, Grand Kru.
Others are Miatta Dorley, Bomi; Kou Meapeh, Nimba; Loleyah Hawa Norris, Bong; Mike T. Swengbe, River Gee; J. Lavelah Massaquoi, Lofa, and Sam Zinnah, Gbarpolu.
The superintendents-designate described the yearly allocation of US$200,000 for the development of every county as a drop in the ocean, stressing that the development drive of a whole county cannot be actualized with a little US$200,000 placed in the national budget.
They jointly called on the Liberian Senate, through its Committee on Internal Affairs and Rural Development, to push the advocacy of increasing the CDF to at least US$1 million.
According to the superintendents-designate, this recommendation, when given urgent attention and consideration by its reflection in the national budget, will adequately accelerate the growth, development, and effective operations of the counties, and further implement the President’s ARREST Agenda, if it is confirmed.
The presidential nominees emphasized the enormous challenges each county encounters, which are yet to be resolved, to a larger extent, due to low budgetary allocation.
They named adherence to the rule of law by the citizens, supervision of ongoing and implemented national projects, keeping and strengthening the peace and stability of the country, and uniting the people through various means, including dialogues, among others.
At the same time, the superintendents promised, if confirmed, and if their recommendation regarding increased budgetary allocation is considered by the Senate, and extensively, the 55th Legislature, to serve with passion, put nationalism over personal interests, commitment, and dedication in public service.
The nominees have, however, thanked President Joseph Boakai for their individual nominations to the post of County Superintendent, as his proper representation to foster his agenda, promising to deliver the core. Meanwhile, as a normal legislative tradition, the Committee, upon conducting a confirmation, shall revert to the Committee Room, compile its report, accompanied by a recommendation, and submit said report to the plenary of the Senate, where a vote on the record will be taken by all duly seated Senators in session, to either reject or confirm the nominee
