Introduction:
Liberia, a nation enriched with cultural diversity and historical significance, has been saddled with the burdens of underdevelopment for far too long.
The relentless cycle of poverty, insufficient infrastructure, and inadequate governance has stifled growth and innovation.
As the Boakai-Koung Administration prepares to take the nation into 2025, the moment has come for transformative action.
Constant electricity, total assurance of national security, and access to safe drinking water are not mere aspirations but necessities for sustainable development.
The urgency for these essentials to be prioritized can not be overemphasized.
Should Liberia harness the potential of international partnerships and strategic planning, it can pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all its citizens.
Electricity: The Engine of Development:
Liberia’s absence of reliable and constant electricity remains a significant obstacle to national development.
Electricity is not simply a utility but a cornerstone for economic advancement, educational opportunities, and overall quality of life.
Businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, struggle to thrive in an environment where power outages are frequent and unpredictable.
This instability deters both local and foreign investments.
Businesses often resort to alternative power sources, such as generators, which are costly and environmentally harmful.
Countries that Liberia once served as their beacon of hope are now flourishing, fueled by their reliable energy supplies.
For instance, nations like Ghana, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Rwanda have invested substantially in energy infrastructure, resulting in significant economic growth.
To emulate this success, the Boakai-Koung Administration must prioritize electricity as a foundational element of their governance strategy.
Forming long-term agreements with international partners, including renewable energy firms, can kickstart investment into Liberia’s energy sector.
Emphasis on sustainable energy solutions, such as solar and wind power, will address the immediate need for electricity and align with global shifts toward green energy.
This approach will ensure that Liberia is not left behind in the march toward modernization in the second half of the 21st century. Instead, it becomes a leader in sustainable development for its region.
National Security: A Fundamental Pillar:
While electricity is the engine of development, national security is its backbone.
The assurance of safety and order is paramount for any societal progress.
No investor, whether domestic or international, would risk capital in a nation facing instability or threats of violence.
The Liberian people have borne the brunt of insecurity, and until this pressing issue is rectified, the prospects for meaningful development remain bleak.
The Boakai-Koung Administration must prioritize national security as a pillar of its governance.
They must implement comprehensive security measures, drawing upon local know-how(Police, Military, National Security Agency, Immigration, Fire Service, Ministry of Justice, etc) and international expertise.
Training and equipping law enforcement agencies, investing in intelligence-gathering capabilities, and fostering community-based security initiatives are essential first steps.
Achieving a safe environment is about law enforcement’s presence and restoring citizens’ trust in governmental institutions.
Open dialogue between the public and law enforcement agencies can enhance a community-centric approach to security, ensuring citizens feel safe and valued.
Partnerships with organizations and nations dedicated to peacebuilding can provide much-needed resources and expertise to foster a stable societal framework.
Safe Drinking Water: A Right and Necessity:
Access to safe drinking water is another fundamental human right that has eluded many Liberians.
It is incomprehensible that in the 21st century, a country rich in natural resources struggles with bare essentials.
Unsafe drinking water poses severe health risks, leading to countless preventable diseases that disproportionately affect women and children, particularly those in urban and hinterland areas.
The connection between health, productivity, and economic development is undeniable.
When individuals have access to safe drinking water, they no longer spend countless hours collecting water or recovering from illness; instead, they can pursue education, work, and contribute to their communities and nation.
The Boakai-Koung Administration can focus on water infrastructure development by seeking international partnerships with organizations and nations dedicated to improving water quality in developing countries.
Additionally, employing community engagement in water management and sustainability programs is crucial.
The time for handpumps is over, and the building of water reservoirs that can extend to all homes in towns, villages, districts, counties, etc, is now.
Educating citizens about the importance of water conservation can lead to more sustainable practices, ensuring that resources are available for generations to come.
A National Call to Action:
Liberians are undoubtedly tired of the status quo.
The sentiment among the populace is clear, and enough is enough.
The Boakai-Koung Administration can not afford to regard these necessities of life as optional or secondary.
The time for action is now.
Leadership is not merely a title but a profound commitment to the welfare of one’s nation and future generations.
The call for true nationalists to join in this endeavor of nation-building is imperative.
Leaders must prioritize collaborations with individuals, nations, investors, and organizations dedicated to social and economic reform.
The influence of the corrupt and ill-informed must be diminished, as their presence stifles progress and further entraps the nation in cycles of poverty.
The articulation of a clear strategy emphasizing transparency and governance accountability, especially concerning resource allocation for electricity, security, and water management, must be central to the administration’s priority list in 2025.
Engaging with citizens through public forums can foster a sense of shared responsibility and encourage active participation in the nation-building process.
Long-Term Partnerships for Sustainable Success:
Liberia must look beyond short-term fixes and embrace a long-term development strategy to ensure meaningful progress.
Entering into well-structured agreements with credible international partners could unlock the necessary expertise, financing, and technology that Liberia requires.
By involving global partners committed to sustainable development, Liberia can access resources aligning with its electricity, security, and water management goals.
Furthermore, Liberia should consider fully participating in regional collaborations that address common challenges faced by the Mano River Union and West African nations.
Whether through the African Union, Mano River Union, or ECOWAS, engaging in collective action can enhance Liberia’s position in dealing with transnational challenges such as security threats and environmental issues.
The prospects for Liberia’s development hinge on the Boakai-Koung Administration’s commitment to prioritizing constant electricity, national security, and access to safe drinking water.
These are not merely goals but the foundational pillars upon which a thriving, developed nation can be built.
The path to redemption and progress, beginning in 2025, requires collaborative leadership (National Legislature, Executive Judiciary) and a steadfast resolve to eradicate the obstacles of poverty and underdevelopment.
Liberians deserve more than empty promises and a government that will take decisive action.
Now is the time for the administration to heed the call for redemption and usher in a new era of hope and opportunity for all.
The eyes of the world may be watching, but the hopes and aspirations of the Liberian people matter most.
Let’s ensure the voices of the Liberian people, particularly the downtrodden, are heard, and their needs are prioritized as Liberia embarks on this pivotal journey toward lasting national rejuvenation.
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