By Moses J. Dawoe
-Maryland (freelance)
Representative Austin B. Taylor of Maryland County District 3 has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing development in Karluway and Barrobo Districts.
He made the statement during his annual legislative report to the nine traditional communities of Karluway.
The report, delivered on December 30, 2024, highlighted key issues and development plans for Maryland County’s District 3.
Rep. Taylor announced plans to procure a set of yellow machines to enhance road safety and connectivity across the district.
He emphasized that this initiative aligns with his earlier pledge to dedicate his salary to the development of the district.
Though, the lawmaker revealed that his current salary allocation has been insufficient to cover the costs of purchasing the machines, ti fulfill his promise, he said he intends to secure a bank loan to fund the acquisition and repay the borrowed amount in due course.
Addressing broader national issues, Rep. Taylor disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture, through its minister, is advocating for an increase in the 2025 national budget to support local farmers.
The additional funding would bolster the ARREST Agenda of the Unity Party administration, a framework aimed at enhancing the productivity and benefits of smallholder farmers nationwide.
In his report, Rep. Taylor also touched on the persistent telecommunications challenges facing Southeastern Liberia.
He informed attendees that southeastern lawmakers had engaged the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and GSM providers Lonestar and Orange to address poor service quality in the region.
According to Rep. Taylor, both companies committed to installing new towers and receivers in underserved southeastern communities, with plans to commence installations in 2025.
The initiative will also prioritize Grand Kru, Grand Gedeh, Sinoe, and Maryland Counties.
The representative criticized GSM providers for allowing customers’ purchased packages to expire due to network outages, calling on the companies to compensate affected users.
“It is unfair for GSM companies to take customers’ money for packages and then allow network outages to render them unusable,” he said.
Rep. Taylor further highlighted the Ministry of Health’s efforts to secure increased funding to improve Liberia’s healthcare system.
He expressed dismay over reports of health workers selling government-supplied drugs through private drug stores, describing the practice as a betrayal of public trust and a hindrance to the nation’s health sector reforms.
The annual report served as a platform for Rep. Taylor to outline his achievements, reiterate his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises, and address concerns raised by his constituents.
With initiatives ranging from infrastructure development to improved telecommunications and healthcare, the Maryland lawmaker continues to push for tangible progress in Karluway, Barrobo, and beyond.
