By Stephen N. Tokpah (freelancer)
Bong County Council has approved US $ 302, 913.36 for Superintendent Hawa Norris’ 100-day development agenda for the county.
Superintendent Norris unveiled her 100-day development agenda and budget to the County Council, signaling a swift start to her administration’s efforts to uplift the county’s development.
Superintendent Norris, who assumed office on May 14, 2024, has quickly set her sights on enhancing the living conditions of Bong County residents through a comprehensive development strategy.
The detailed 100-day plan was presented by her County Finance Officer, Silas Tokpah during a joint meeting with the County Council on July 1, 2024, held at the Gbarnga Administrative Building.
Mr. Tokpah outlined the administration’s focus on key areas such as education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure and emphasized that these initiatives aim at bringing substantial improvements to the county and its inhabitants within the first 100 days.
He further revealed the fencing of the Superintendent’s Compound, renovation and construction of a hand pump at the Gbarnga Administration Building and other public facilities in the county.
The administration intends to establish its own farm, focusing initially on bean cultivation and there are also plans to support smallholder farmers in the various Districts by providing them with the necessary agricultural material, thereby boosting productivity and combating food insecurity in the County and Liberia at large.
The Bong County Financial Officer emphasized the administration’s commitment to improving transparency and accountability in managing the county resources; promoting good governance through community engagement and participation will be a priority.
He expressed confidence in the 100-day plan stating, “We have consulted with various stakeholders and identified the most pressing needs of the people. We believe that with the implementation of these plans, we can make significant progress in the next 100 days and beyond.”
After deliberation, during the joint meeting, the County Council Chairperson, Aaron Sackie Fenlah along with his colleagues passed the county developmental agenda budget which was submitted by the County Financial Officer for ratification.
Mr. Fenlah commended the administration’s forward-thinking plans and called on the people of Bong County to support these initiatives and hold the administration accountable.
The County Council Chairman said Superintendent Norris 100-day operational deliverables plan represents a firm commitment of her administration development agenda.
Mr. Fenlah said the County Council will work with the County leadership to prioritize the needs of the people and work towards a brighter future for all.
The Bong County Council Chairman stressed that as the administration of Sup. Norris embarks on these initiatives, the residents of Bong County can anticipate positive changes and sustained progress in the coming months and years.
The County Council is a requirement of Chapter 2.2 of the Local Government Act (LGA) of 2018.
The County Council is mandated by LGA promulgate County ordinances, rules and regulations for the promotion of peace, unity, reconciliation, maintenance of public order, and security, and the delivery of basic public goods and services consistent with law.
According the Local Government Law, the nine-member County Council have the power to approve annual county budgets, as well as approve County development plan and its implementation.
The LGA further mandates the County Council to ensure broad-based citizens’ participation in decision on significant issues of the County such as the annual county budget and the county development plans.
