By Bill W. Cooper
The Ways, Means and Finance and Budget Committee of the Liberian Senate has proposed a budget allocation of US$1.8 million in the Fiscal Year (FY 2025) national budget for the renovation of portion of the Capitol Building.
This decision comes in the wake of a devastating fire that engulfed the Rotunda and joint chambers of the Legislature early Wednesday, December 18, 2024, morning, thus raising concerns among citizens about the safety and security of their government institutions.
Giving an update about the fiscal envelope during yesterday’s regular session, the Committee Chairperson, Prince Moyee emphasized the urgency of the renovations, as it is expected that taxpayers are the ones expected to shoulder said burden through the budget.
The Bong County Senator, among other things, pointed out, “The fire incident has highlighted the need for immediate action to restore our legislative chambers, especially so that this Legislature is to host the President for his annual address slated for next year January.”
“So, we are committed to ensuring that our government operates in a safe and conducive environment, and this funding will allow us to address the damages caused by the fire and improve the overall infrastructure of the Capitol,” he admonished.
Moyee also argued that a well-maintained legislative building is essential for the functioning of democracy and governance in the country, and asserted, “The Capitol is not just a building; it is a symbol of our democracy.”
He added further, “Yes, the situation was frustrating, but again, we must ensure that our lawmakers have a safe and functional space to carry out their duties. This renovation is not just about aesthetics; it is about the integrity of our legislative process.”
However, the fire, which occurred just days ago, has left many citizens in shock and disbelief, with eyewitnesses reportedly seeing flames engulfing the Rotunda by 6:02 a.m., a historic and symbolic part of Liberia’s legislative history.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the joint security comprising the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Liberia National Police (LNP), working diligently to determine whether it was an act of arson or an unfortunate accident.
The Police have also urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in ensuring the safety of public spaces, thus putting out a US$5,000 bounty for anyone who will provide detailed information leading to the fire outbreak.
“We will need the support of our citizens to help us keep our government buildings secured. So, if anyone saw anything suspicious or has information about the fire, we encourage them to report it to the LNP and aid the investigation and their reward will be US$5,000,” said Police IG Gregory Coleman.
The situation also occurred with just a month to the President’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA), which is delivered on the fourth working Monday in January of each year, in line with the Liberian Constitution.
Article 58 of the Constitution says, “The President shall, on the fourth work Monday in January of each year, present the administration’s legislative program for the ensuing session, and shall once a year report to the Legislature on the state of the Republic. In presenting the economic condition of the Republic, the report shall cover expenditure and income.”
Meanwhile, amidst the pronouncement from the Liberian Senate, many citizens are left wondering as to what yardstick did the Senate Committee used to enable them project such a huge amount, especially so that the situation just occurred a day ago.
Some of them, in their official Facebook Posts also expressed concerns about the allocation of funds for renovations, particularly in a country where many face economic hardships in the wake of high unemployment rate, among others.
Prince Ballah, in his post said, “While I understand the importance of maintaining our government buildings, I can’t help but wonder if this money could be better spent on education, healthcare, or infrastructure that directly benefits the people.”
Sarah Johnson also posted, “This is the cause of immature leaders. Instead of us focusing on the real issues facing our country, like unemployment and poverty, today, we are about to pour money into fixing a building, that got damaged because of greed and selfishness.”
Another poster, Solomane Swaray, wondered, “How fast did this happened as though it was known. Without engineering assessment report to qualify value for Money the Ways, Means and Finance at the Senate allotted this huge sum of funds? Suspicion has increased about the incident once more for the rational Liberians.”
Samuel J. Gower posted, “I believe they will put some of their fat salaries together as a team to carry on the renovations. They will never go free if and only if they will try to go after the very poor people’s taxes to seek their own personal agenda. God is watching their evil cartels.” Meanwhile, as the nation prepares for President Boakai’s second SONA, and with the backdrop of the recent fire and the subsequent renovation plans, many are hopeful that the address will squarely inform the source of the funds for the renovation and progress made in the investigation, among others.
