Monrovia, Liberia - Two of ongoing district consultations intended for the formulation of Liberia’s National Development Plan (ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development) is in advance stages, with discussions being held across the country to ensure that the development agenda reflects the needs and aspirations of local communities.
Speaking at the consultations in Gbarnga, Deputy Finance Minister for Administration, Hon. Bill McGill Jones, has urged grassroots participants in the ongoing District Consultations for the National Development Plan to provide realistic and actionable feedback.
Hon. Jones highlighted the critical role of women and youths, who together represent a substantial portion of the country's population. During his address, Minster Jones underscored the government's commitment to participatory governance and its dedication to ensuring that the results from these consultations are not only costed but also implemented over the next five years.
He emphasized that the National Development Plan, known as the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, along with the County Development Agenda, is designed to be more than just theoretical frameworks.
Instead, they will serve as practical tools for driving meaningful change in collaboration with both national and international partners.
"The current administration is deeply committed to turning the input from these consultations into concrete actions," said Hon. Jones. "Our aim is to ensure that these plans are used to foster people-centered development and bring about real, impactful change."
At the Saclepea Consultation in Nimba County, the Development Superintendent of Nimba County, Hon. Peter Kawea, reiterated the importance of local decision-making for national development purposes.
Hon. Kawea admonished delegates at the consultation to present problems from their respective districts in the interest of making the document truly Liberian.
Speaking also at the event, Madam Yah Bella Suah, the Gender Officer for Nimba County, emphasized the importance of incorporating gender considerations into the development planning process.
She encouraged the women present at the consultation to advocate for the inclusion of issues affecting youth, children, and women in the National Development Plan.
Madam Bella Suah stressed that poor planning often leads to failure and warned that the women would have to hold themselves accountable if their views are not included in the national plan.
For his part, Sendei A. Cooper, a UN Representative, described the United Nations' role in supporting Liberia's development agenda.
Mr. Cooper stated that successfully formulating the County Development Agenda (CDA), the Public Sector Investment Plan (PSIP), and the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) will lead to the development of a UN plan to assist the government in meeting the country's needs.
Speaking in Grand Kru County at the Grand Cess consultation, Antoinette Worwlee Nimely, the Superintendent of Grand Kru County, stated that basic social services are nonexistent in the coastal region.
Madam Nimely revealed that the health system in the county is crippled, with a shortage of ambulances and basic medical supplies. She also noted that public schools in the county are poorly equipped and understaffed, forcing parents to send their children to Maryland for schooling.
Madam Nimely spoke about exploring new avenues for generating revenue in tourism, fisheries, and mining to increase the county's funds once the government starts to allot funds in line with the local government act. Phrase Three of the District Consultations is expected to continue on Thursday, August 1, 2024, in Grand Cape Mount, Lofa, Grand Gedeh, Sinoe, and Maryland Counties.