-Eyebrows as Lawmakers set up Specialized Committee to investigate rise in price of Liberia’s staple food
By Mark N. Mengonfia,mmenginfia@gmail.com
The House of Representatives has constituted a seven-member specialized committee to investigate an allegation of increase in the price of Rice by 0.50 US cents.
The setting of the Specialized Committee is at the result of a communication written to that body by Montserrado County District#10 Representative, Yekeh Y. Kolubah who complained of an increment in the price of rice on the Liberian market.
In his communication, he said “while we assume the dropping of tariff on the importation of rice does not undercut the growing wave of economic challenge as it falls short of building a society that is self-sufficient.”
The lawmaker went on to say that “however, we have observed with grave concern, an increase in the price of rice by fifty-cent (0.50 cents) United States Dollars amidst the dropping of the tariff.”
But some local radios in Monrovia reported on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 that some rice importers in Liberia have denied they have increased the price of Liberia’s staple food, which the Liberian government describes as a “security commodity”.
Deliberating on the concern raised by the Montserrado district #10 lawmaker, Lofa County District #4 lawmaker, Mariamu Fofana said: “rice is a political commodity in Liberia so we don’t want to delay” adding “this time, we want him to be truthful to us.”
Also speaking was Montserrado County District # 9 lawmaker, Munah P. Youngblood who said when President George Weah took over, he waved taxes on the importation of rice.
She said” thanks to our colleague who brought this our attention. Those that are in authority should come and provide the necessary information to this body.
The female lawmaker said it was important for the authorities to make things clear to them and if it is a global concern for it to be said.
Samuel Korga, Nimba County District #5 lawmaker informed the plenary that rice importers are still selling the rice at 13.50 and if you are exprencing increment, it could be due to the distributers who take the goods to various donations.
The plenary through its Speaker set up a specialized committee and mandated them to do an investigation into the lawmaker’s allegation and present the findings to the plenary.
The seven (7) members committee includes: Representatives Matthew Zarzar, Julie F.Wiah, Cllr. A. Kanie Wesso, Lawrence Morris, P. Mike Jurry, Francis Young, Byron Zanweah.