As Bill Advances To Senate For Consideration
By Alfred Kollie
Monrovia, Liberia – The proposed amendment to the Act establishing the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) has successfully passed the Liberian House of Representatives and is now headed to the Liberian Senate for further legislative scrutiny.
The passage of the amended Bill represents a major milestone for the Agency, with the legislative instrument moving through the Lower House in less than three weeks, making it one of the fastest-moving reform measures in recent legislative history.
The rapid advancement of the bill signals growing confidence and support among lawmakers for the proposed reforms, which are aimed at strengthening the institutional framework and improving the operational effectiveness of LACE in delivering community-driven development programs across Liberia.
Stakeholders and supporters of the Agency have described the development as a significant achievement, applauding the collective commitment of LACE management, staff, and partners who worked tirelessly to ensure the successful passage of the bill through the House.
Management of LACE extended appreciation and congratulations to all those who played a role in achieving the milestone, noting that even skepticism and criticism surrounding the process served as a source of motivation to remain focused and determined.
With the proposed amendments now before the Liberian Senate, optimism remains high that the reforms will further enhance the Agency’s mandate and strengthen its capacity to serve communities nationwide.
The amendments seek to repeal and replace sections of the existing Act to introduce several key reforms, including the establishment of the Office of the Deputy Executive Director for Programs and Operations to improve field supervision, program implementation, and donor coordination.
Other proposed changes include the reconstitution of the Board of Directors to broaden representation by incorporating legal experts, civil society actors, and development partners to improve compliance, accountability, and transparency.
Additionally, the amendments propose the centralization of all Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds under LACE management to ensure effective coordination, transparency, and equitable distribution of resources.
The bill also seeks to assign LACE the responsibility for managing and coordinating all District Development Projects (DDPs) across Liberia, a move expected to improve project delivery and community impact across the country.