As LLA and LIPA Sign MOU To Train LLA Staffers In Sub-Skills And Administrative Operations
PHOTO: The newly renovated LLA Bong County office
By Emmanuel Mafelah, mafelahemmanuel29@gmail.com
GBARNGA, Bong County-The Liberia Land Authority (LLA), with support from the Swedish Government through the Inclusive Land Administration and Management Project (ILAMP) being implemented by Lantmätariet of Sweden, has officially launched its County Land Office (CLOs) here in central Liberia.
A ceremony to launch the office was held recently, and it brought together members of foreign diplomatic missions to Liberia, delegation from the World Bank and UNDP, donors and partners, heads of government ministries and agencies, members of the Bong County Legislative Caucus, Senators, local county authorities, representatives of CSOs working in Bong County, representatives from Lantmätariet and ILAMP, traditional leaders, women and youth groups in Bong County, among others.
Members of the Board of Commissioners of the LLA, Executive Director, Senior Management and technical staff headed by its Chairman, Hon. Atty. J. Adams Manobah, Sr. also attended the ceremony.
Giving a brief overview of the project, LLA Project Director, Mrs. Daniela Gray Johnson narrated that in fulfillment of the Government of Liberia (GoL) decentralization policy (taking efficient and effective service delivery to the people), the LLA received support from the just ended World Bank supported Liberia Land Administration Project (LLAP) to renovate five (5) offices in Bomi, Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, Bong and Lofa Counties, respectively.
The renovation of the five offices is to help strengthen the services of the LLA in the five selected counties in other to meet the public quest to obtain good land service and delivery.
At t the end of the renovation, the Government of Sweden has provided support for the electrification, furnishing, equipping and training of LLA staff within the five selected counties to provide efficient and effective land service delivery to the public. This is being done through the Inclusive Land Administration and Management Project (ILAMP) which is being implemented by Lantmätariet, the Swedish Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authority.
Bong County Superintendent Esther Y. Walker appreciated the donors for their lasting support to the Weah-led administration and the people of Liberia.
On behalf of the President Weah and the government, Madam Walker reassured the Liberia Land Authority family and partners that the offices of the Country Superintendent is open and remains open for good to the LLA.
In remark, the Deputy Director General of Lantmatariet, Sweden, Anders Lundquist pledged his institution commitment in working the Liberia land sectors.
He them called on the LLA Bong County office to make a maximum use of the facility so as to raise more revenue, which he believes is one way they can use the center to build their own capacity.
In his official statement & launching remark, LLA boss, Atty. J. Adams Manobah Sr., Chairman, LLA stated that the dedication of the newly renovated office in the County demonstrates government’s commitment toward decentralizing land services throughout the country.
Atty. Manobah, Sr. lauded the government of President George M. Weah for the continued support to the LLA activities in the Country.
He also extended commendations to partners for the support to the the renovation of five offices across the country, adding that what they have and continue to do for the people of Liberia will forever be remembered in history.
Meanwhile, the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), and the Liberia Institute for Public Administration (LIPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to capacitate Liberia Land Authority staff in sub-skills and administrative training.
Professor Yonly, Director General, LIPA signing the MOU
Signing on behalf of the Liberia Institute for Public Administration during the ceremony, Professor Alexander B. Yonly, Director General, LIPA hailed the Liberia Land Authority for the level of commitment and cooperation in its workings; thereby describing the signing of the MOU as significant to the smooth operation of the LLA and LIPA as a whole.
He said the Liberia Institute of Public Administration is mandated by an act of the Liberian Legislature to strengthen the administrative functions and professional capabilities of the Government of Liberia, the public and private services through training of personnel and individual participant.
“LIPA also executes research on public administration and consulting to develop maximum utilization of potential sources as it relates to talent and manpower development,” he noted.
According to Mr. Yonly, LIPA is a premier Centre of excellence in capacity building and development for service delivery in Liberia.
The LIPA boss indicated that there has been a lot of striving at the entity in making sure that its works are effective and efficient in human resource development for the citizenry of Liberia; something according to him needs to be embraced by other supporting institutions in the Country.
Prof. Yonly then pledged LIPA’s Commitment to work in line with the MOU in building the capacity of the Liberia Land Authority and the human resource development of the Liberians.
Additionally, the LIPA boss said the decision to have joined hands with LLA is based on the co-value, good services, integrity, and professionalism exhibited by the Liberia Land Authority over the years, thereby pledging his entity’s commitment to decentralizing its activities across the fifteen counties of Liberia through other functional entities.
For Atty. Manobah Sr., the MOU between their two institutions is a big boost for the LLA.
Atty. J. Adams Manobah Sr., Chairman, LLA signing is the MOU
According to Chairman Manobah, Sr. LLA has been very effective and committed to discharging its functions as an entity ranging from decentralizing its activities, supporting entities that are in need, and empowering Communities across the Country.
He then assured officials of LIPA of the LLA commitment to the MOU.
Also speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director for Administration, Human Resources, and training at the Liberia Land Authority, Aryee K. Williams narrated that over the past few weeks, the Liberia Land Authority has developed a business development unit aimed at strengthening business activities at the LLA; adding that the Memorandum of Understanding signed will help strengthen that unit and seeks to generate revenues for the Liberia Land Authority.