Liberia: Senate Focuses on Electricity, Health, and Oversight as Session Resumes   - FrontPageAfrica

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On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the Liberian Senate resumed its first session of the 55th Legislature, following its second recess. This marked the 37th regular sitting of the Senate. As they returned, the Senate outlined an ambitious agenda to address pressing issues in key sectors, including electricity, health, and education, with a focus on strengthening oversight.

Focus on Electricity, Health, and Education

In her opening remarks, Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, the driving force behind this plan, emphasized the Senate’s commitment to addressing challenges in Liberia’s electricity and health sectors, particularly the operation of the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK) and other referral hospitals.

Additionally, the Senate will prioritize the education sector by focusing on programs such as the inclusion of volunteer teachers, a move previously approved by the Senate.

Oversight and Legislative Achievements

Pro Tempore Lawrence also stressed the importance of robust oversight, with a plan to enhance the Senate’s accountability by involving the full plenary in decision-making processes. She highlighted the Senate’s achievements during the previous session, including the passage of 13 pieces of legislation, consisting of eight ratifications, one amendment, and four new enactments.

From January 2024 to the present, the Senate confirmed 950 government officials, including an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia.

Ratifications

Among the key legislations ratified were:

1. Loan Agreement between Liberia and the African Development Fund (Mano River Union Road Development and Transport Facilitation Program, Phase IV).

2. Loan Agreement among Liberia, the African Development Bank, and the African Development Fund (Administrator of Transition Support for Mano River Union Road Development and Transport Facilitation Program, Phase IV).

3. Financing Agreement (Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation Project) between Liberia and the International Development Association.

4. Financing Agreement (Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project, Phase 2) between Loan Agreement (Program for Advancing Youth Entrepreneurship Investment – PAYEI) between Liberia and the African Development Fund.

Civil Service and Infrastructure Developments

Regarding the regularization of Senate staff, Pro Tempore Lawrence stated that most of the staffing issues raised by the Civil Service Agency (CSA) have been addressed. She noted that the Senate is working with the Ways, Means, and Finance Committee to raise funds for the retirement of staff eligible for pensions. A certified list of staff will soon be released.

She also disclosed that, with technical support from the Ministry of Public Works, the Senate has completed assessments of its two buildings, and renovation work will begin shortly.

Reform and Audit Follow-Up

As part of the Senate’s reform agenda, the General Auditing Commission (GAC) completed a review of the Senate’s systems and controls. The GAC report, which included findings and recommendations, was thoroughly reviewed by the Senate. In response, the Senate hired a Financial Advisor for a 90-day period to oversee the implementation of the GAC’s recommendations and to establish stronger systems and controls.

Senate Modernization

The Senate’s Modernization Committee, headed by Nimba County Senator Nya D. Twayen, Jr., has overseen significant progress, including the launch of the Senate’s official website. The new platform will provide public access to daily journals, draft and final national budgets, bills, laws, voting records, committee reports, and other critical information.

The website will also link to individual Senators’ personal websites and social media pages, offering a comprehensive view of their work.

The Senate’s renewed focus on electricity, health, oversight, and modernization reflects its commitment to addressing Liberia’s key challenges and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.