By Laurina B Lormia
The Ministry of Public Works has concluded a one-day media training focused on its ongoing projects reporting.
The project titled, “Liberia Urban Resilience Project and Monrovia Integrated Development Project” aimed to equip media practitioners with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively report on infrastructure projects and their impact on urban resilience and development in Monrovia.
The training was held on Thursday July 4, 2024 in Monrovia bringing together journalists, and other media professionals to discuss best practices in project reporting.
Giving an overview of the project, the CC Specialist Samson Wonnah, highlighted the significance of these projects in improving urban infrastructure, reducing flood risks, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
According to him, the Ministry of Public Works will continue its collaboration with the media to ensure that the public remains well-informed about the progress and benefits of infrastructure projects.
He added that, several factors contribute to increased climate risks and poor living conditions among the population, these factors include, limitation of basic social services and infrastructure, a weak urban management system characterized by limited technical and financial capacities, poor coordination among key actors, and weak zoning legislations.
LURP is the government’s initiative to address the multi layered urban management challenges the country is confronted with, because beyond greater Monrovia, some primary cities across the country are growing rapidly, and facing the same intensity of urban challenges
“The project development objective is to increase flood resilience and access to urban infrastructure in selected neighborhoods and to improve urban management in Liberia,” he narrated.
He explained that LURP has four potential geographical areas which include Northern Bushrod Island Duala Market, Central Monrovia-Soniwein drainage system Omega Market Area and South-eastern Paynesville.
“The project will invest in drainage infrastructure, neighborhood market upgrading, and will develop a Solid Waste Operational Management Plans (SWOMP’s) for Greater Monrovia, Buchanan, Gbarnga, Ganta cities, and develop capacity in spatial data collection and use for these municipalities,” he stressed.
He noted that, the Monrovia Integrated Development Project will undertake key constructions and rehabilitation of public facilities and infrastructure adapted to the effects of climate change, which supports upgrading infrastructures, such as roads, paths, water facilities, public restrooms and community public spaces, in the three neighborhoods.
“A participatory design of an Operations & Maintenance (O&M) organization for waste management investments and sensitization activities within neighborhoods must engage in capacity building for equipment management and risk anticipation. This approach will help support community awareness and preparedness for climate risks,” he stated.
Meanwhile, presenting on the topic, Reporting Development Projects, Malcom Joseph, a Media Development Specialist, emphasized the importance of journalists covering development projects, by visiting project sites to observe progress and gather firsthand information.
According to him, interviewing various stakeholders like government officials, NGOs, community leaders, project managers, workers, and local residents you will be able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project’s impact.
He added, by gathering insights from these varied groups, one can create multimedia stories that engage the audience and provide a comprehensive view of the project.
“This collective effort not only enhances the depth of reporting but also fosters a sense of solidarity and shared purpose among diverse organizations committed to uncovering the truth,” he stressed.
“Journalists can pool resources and share expertise, allowing for more comprehensive and impactful reporting by partnering with other news outlets, non-profits, and research institutions,” he said.
He stressed, “Hosting public forums or discussions can involve the community and gather their input effectively, it is crucial to engage with the public through social media and online platforms to gather tips and crowd source information.”
He concluded, journalists can provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of development projects, by informing the public, holding stakeholders, and using satellite imagery and other remote sensing technologies to monitor changes over time.
