Pro Temp Vows Aggressive Approach -Wants Senate Committees Track Budget Implementation

MONROVIA – As Liberians still wonder over, some doubting, what concrete, substantive things the Joseph Boakai administration achieved in 2024 relative to its electoral vow to transform the country and end business as usual, the Senate of the 55^th Legislature might well be on its way this year to hold the administration’s feet to fire as is relates to how the national budget and government programs will be implemented. In an elaborate statement at the opening of the second sessions of the year, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence says the Senate would move a step forward because she expect to “see a more aggressive approach” from all Senate Committees’ oversight responsibilities, specifically on budget implementation. The Analyst reports.      

The President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate says in keeping with the Senate’s oversight responsibilities, she would like to see a more aggressive approach from all Committees on the tracking of budget programs and implementation in all sectors.

She said her administration would like to have a quarterly performance report from all ministries and agencies through the committees for debates and actions.

The Pro Tempore also implore the ways means and finance committee to ensure that the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning would give a quarterly disbursement report to encourage timely payments to sectors for the timely execution of projects and programs that are needed for the growth and development of our country and the well-being of the people.

Speaking Monday during the opening of the Senate, Karngar-Lawrence mandated the Committee on Public Works to give the Senate a report in one week on the list of road projects in the budget, locations, costs, and timelines, including outstanding projects.

She also mandated the Committee on Energy and Environment to finalize an assessment of the Senate building by the Liberia Electricity Cooperation (LEC) to install a meter for the purpose of paying electricity bills.

“We want to take the lead in paying bills for the sustainability of the entity and hold all Government Ministries and Agencies accountable for doing the same,” the Senate Chief Administrator said. “We have championed significant reforms for accountability, transparency, and efficiency within the Senate’s financial management and governance practices.”

She outlined a couple of reforms she believes are to address longstanding challenges and pave the way for sustainable improvements.

“As of December 2024, many recommendations of the 174 GAC recommendations from our system audit have been successfully executed, with expectations to achieve 50% completion by early 2025,” said.

She also recalled total 27 legislations passed in 2024 – 18 ratified, 3 amendments, six

enactments. She also reported 996 nominations confirmed, while 40 legislations in in committee rooms. 

The President Pro-Tempore spoke of some 40 bills that would be prioritized, adding that today the Secretary of the Senate would be officially communicating to all relevant Senate Committees

Some of the bills include an act to amend Chapter 31 of the Executive Law of 1972 to establish the Liberia Tourism Authority; an Act to amend Title 30 of the Public Authority Law, Liberia Code of Laws Revised to establish the Liberia National Tourism Authority;  an Act to ratify the Protocol to the African Chapter on Human and People’s Rights on the establishment of an African Court on Human and People Rights, and an Act to establish the Liberia Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Commission.

Others include an Act to establish the Liberia Capitol Police (LCP) 2024; Zoning Law of Liberia 2024; Presidential Transitional Act of 2024; the Decent Work Act; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, and the Ministry of Local Government.

Speaking on security, she said the Senate has asked the Liberia National police to take charge of the security at the Senate and work in collaboration with the senate security department until all security measures are put in place by our Defense and Security Committee.

“We ask for the cooperation of everyone to ensure the proper execution of measures that will be put in place,” said, adding: “We are concluding arrangements with the Minister of Public Works for the installation of Solar-Powered Streetlights to enhance nighttime visibility and deter criminal activities around the Capitol Building.”

Continuing the President Pro Tempore said the Security and Defense Committee is also consulting for the installation of a state-of-the-art CCTV surveillance system covering all key areas within and around the Capitol Building.

“This will complement real-time monitoring that will enhance rapid response to any incidents and aid in post-event investigations,” she said, and spoke about employees wellbeing, where

water and sanitation which have been a major concern have been addressed.

:Two buses were provided for the staff.  The funding for health insurance is now available and the process to select a provider is ongoing by the ROA committee. A waiting and entertainment room was built and dedicated for all drivers of Senators and in central administration.”