Monrovia – The Government of Liberia has announced the allocation of a substantial sum of half a million United States Dollars for the 177th Independence Day celebration, a move that has sparked debate among citizens due to the nation’s prevailing economic challenges. The announcement was made by Information Minister Jerelinmek Piah.
By Nyantee S. Togba, with The Liberian Investigator
“This significant amount will cover all activities leading up to the celebration slated for this Friday,” stated Minister Piah during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism earlier this week.
The announcement comes at a time when Liberia is visibly grappling with economic difficulties. Market observations reveal more sellers than buyers, and there are noticeably long queues at banks, reflecting the financial strain on many citizens. Amid these challenges, various groups and individuals have voiced their discontent over what they perceive as an extravagant expenditure.
Moibah Johnson, President of the Civil Servants Association of Liberia, criticized the budget allocation, highlighting delays in salary disbursements for civil servants. “The slow pace of payment for civil servants at commercial banks is troubling. Most commercial banks informed us that they received payment late, which is causing delays,” Johnson explained. He said that this delay in salary payment has complicated preparations for the Independence Day celebration for many families. “Parents are finding it difficult to procure items for their families for the celebration,” he said.
Johnson noted the social tensions arising from these delays. “It’s a challenge to provide for our families, especially during this festive time. Our children and spouses are behind us, asking about plans for the celebration. The government needs to address these issues promptly,” he urged. He called on the government to step up its efforts in managing the country’s finances more effectively. “We need to graduate from the old order of exorbitant spending. The current government came to rectify past wrongs, and one of those is managing our limited resources meticulously,” he asserted.
Mohammed Dukuly, Officer in Charge for the Center for the Exchange of Intellectual Opinion, echoed these sentiments, calling for the government to prioritize essential services over celebratory events. “The Government needs to focus on the bread and butter issues for the citizens instead of focusing on big occasions as life seems unbearable for citizens,” commented Dukuly. He pointed out the visible economic slowdown, noting, “There is a low demand level in the market compared to previous years.” Dukuly also suggested that the government should enhance its governance performance to address these economic issues effectively. “Our country is facing economic challenges. Spending $500,000 on a one-day event is unreasonable. For example, JFK Hospital often lacks essential drugs. This money could be better spent on healthcare to boost the health of our society,” he argued.
Abenego Blade, a student leader at the University of Liberia, proposed a more prudent use of funds. “The amount for the independence celebration could have been reduced to USD100,000, with the remaining funds directed to key sectors such as JFK Hospital or the University of Liberia,” Blade suggested, emphasizing the need to support crucial services over a single day of festivities.
Alfred Kromah, a supporter of President Boakai’s Rescue Mission, acknowledged the government’s efforts in infrastructure but criticized the prevailing living conditions. “When it comes to road construction, the government is doing well. But the living condition of the people is terrible. At hospitals, many are not receiving treatment. This is not what we expected under President Boakai,” Kromah expressed. He highlighted the disparity between infrastructure development and the quality of life for ordinary citizens.
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