By P. Clarence Jackson in Gbarnga, Liberia
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated a consignment of sanitation and other equipment to the Gbarnga City Corporation in Liberia’s central county of Bong.
USAID made the donation recently as part of efforts to enhance the Liberian government’s efforts and the leadership of Bong to ensure clean and healthy environment. through USAID’s Local Empowerment for Government Inclusion and Transparency program.
Making the donation on the Compound of the Gbarnga City Corporation over the weekend, USAID Chief of party Paul Kaiser said the materials will be used to provide a clean environment for the people of Gbarnga and is part of its segregation of waste project.
Mr. Kaiser said the project is meant to help city dwellers on how to sort their wastes and enable them to deal with waste related diseases.
Admi Assistant to Gbarnga Mayor, Alex Mulbah and a USAID staff
“It is always our pleasure to help the Liberian government and people in whatever way possible as far as good governance and transparency are concerned,” he said.
The USAID official further said: “As we provide these materials today to the people of Bong County for use by residents of Gbarnga, through the Gbarnga city Corporation, we are convinced that it will help in making this great centrally located city a clean place to be, Mr. Kaiser noted.”
The USAID Chief of party further disclosed that similar project is being implemented in Ganta city, Nimba County and Zwedru city, Grand Gedeh County.
Receiving the materials on behalf of the Gbarnga city Corporation, the administrative Assistant to Mayor Lucia Herbert Mr. Alex Mulbah lauded USAID and LEGIT for the support.
Some of the USAID equipment donated to the city of Gbarngs
Mr. Mulbah said the materials will bring relief to the Gbarnga City Corporation in giving the city a clean and sanitary outlook.
“ To you Mr. Kaiser and the USAID team as well as those working with us here in Gbarnga under the LEGIT project, you have helped us made history because the donation today will go a long way not only in the history of the City Cortporation, but Bong County by extension, we are greatful”.
Mr. Mulbah noted that the issue of giving Gbarnga a face lift is a major concern to Mayor Lucia Herbert who has been working very hard with heads of various communities in the city.
“Let me inform you Mr. Kaiser that we at the Gbarnga City Corporation remain greaful to USAID and the American people for everything you continue to do for our beloved country Liberia, Mr. Mulbah added”.
He encouraged the people of Gbarnga to take ownership of the project and ensure that the project is fully implemented.
“One way you can help us help you is to ensure these drums that will be placed at various places in the city are protected”.
Materials donated include wheelbarrows, raincoats and boots, brooms, shovels, sanitation drums, a set of computer, printer and assorted office materials.
Some of the Materials donated
Funded by USAID, the Local Empowerment for Government Inclusion and Transparency Program helps the Liberian government in solidifying this and facilitating the transfer of authority from the national government to counties and cities.
This would enhance citizens’ participation in governance and building the capacity for government officials.
LEGIT activities complement the USAID Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative (LAVI) also further help enhance citizens’ engagement and government accountability throughout the country.
The project also seeks to increase accountability, transparency, and effectiveness with respect to sub-national government resources in Liberia. LEGIT provides support to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Governance Commission as they lead, monitor, and coordinate the implementation of the Government’s decentralization agenda.
The project is actively engaged with national institutions in three counties–Bong, Nimba and Grand Gedeh–as well three cities Gbarnga, Ganta and Zwedru, to assist them to be more transparent and responsive to citizens with respect to information on how public resources are used at sub-national levels.