But The Value Of The Contract Has Not Been Disclosed
PHOTO; Finance Ministry officials pose for photo with executives of the two firms
By Augustine Octavius, augustineoctavius@gmail.com
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), has signed an agreement with the Subah-Belleh Associates (SBA) and Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA), to facilitate the formulation of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), Public Sector Investment Plan (PSIP), and 15 County Development Agendas (CDAs).
Although the value of the contract has not been disclosed, officials say these institutions have been entrusted with the responsibilities of developing the ARREST agenda for inclusive development, the public investment program, and the development agenda for the fifteen counties.
Both firms were selected through a competitive process consistent with the Public Procurement and Concession Law.
In the last few weeks, pre-contract negotiations were held to agree on the terms and conditions for drafting the national development plan.
Speaking at the signing ceremony Deputy Minister for Budget & Development Planning, Tanneh G. Brunson, stated that the plan is crucial for the country, particularly as there is a need to decentralize development.
Minister Brunson indicated that at some point all of the teams involved with the crafting of the national development agenda (ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development) will have to meet so that everyone is working concurrently.
The Deputy Minister for Budget and Development Planning insisted that having experienced local think tanks is essential to making effective development strategies a reality for the benefit of the Liberian people.
Speaking earlier, Deputy Minister for Administration, Bill McGill Jones, noted that the signing of the contracts is a beginning of the realization of the commitment made by the President that his development agenda will include the views and aspirations of the Liberian people.
Minister Jones made it clear that the ‘ARREST’ Agenda for Inclusive Development is about the people, and their voices are fundamental to the formulation of this agenda and the growth of the country.
In further remarks, a representative of the United Nations in Liberia, Sidiki Quisia, indicated that the United Nations is satisfied with the recent decision to engage Liberian consultancy firms in crafting the country’s development agenda.
Mr. Quisia emphasized that the key to successful development partnerships is the active participation of local stakeholders, and by involving Liberian firms, the country is not only enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of the development agenda but also empowering local professionals and institutions.
For their part, Ounzuba Kemah-Guma, the Engagement Manager of Subah-Belleh, and B. Ellias Shoniyin, the Managing Director of Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA), both stated that their hiring provided them a direct opportunity to contribute to the country’s development agenda and work towards ending poverty.
Minister Jones signed on behalf of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, while Kemah-Guma and Shoniyin of Subah-Belleh and ADMA signed for their respective institutions.