Liberia: STAND Calls for Lawmakers’ Salaries to Be Slashed to Fund US$1.8 Million Restore of Capitol Building
Monrovia – Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), one in all Liberia’s most outspoken civil society organizations, has criticized the legislature for its fast push to allocate US$1.8 million from the nationwide funds to restore the Capitol Building’s joint chambers after a current fireplace.
The group labeled the transfer as hypocritical, pointing to the federal government’s neglect of fireside victims throughout the nation, who are sometimes left homeless and unsupported after catastrophic incidents.
In a press release issued in Monrovia by its Chairman Mulbah Morlu, STAND expressed outrage over the legislature’s obvious prioritization of Capitol Building repairs whereas failing to equip the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) with important sources. The group famous that the 2024 nationwide funds didn’t embrace funding for a single fireplace truck, regardless of the pressing want to enhance fireplace security for unusual residents.
“This glaring disregard for public fire safety is utterly reprehensible,” the assertion learn. “While lawmakers rush to repair their own infrastructure, they have consistently ignored the dire need to support fire victims and empower the LNFS to protect lives and properties.”
STAND additionally highlighted its current attraction to worldwide companions for help in addressing the LNFS’s useful resource challenges. The group praised the United States Embassy close to Monrovia for responding to their name and offering assist, whereas criticizing the Liberian authorities’s failure to take significant motion.
Burdening Taxpayers Amid Economic Struggles
STAND additional condemned lawmakers for imposing extra monetary burdens on taxpayers by the proposed budgetary allocation. The group known as for a reputable and complete investigation into the fireplace’s trigger earlier than any restore work begins.
“It would be unjust to demand taxpayers shoulder this financial responsibility, especially during the holiday season when families are struggling with economic challenges,” the assertion added. “This insensitivity underscores the legislature’s inefficiency and disregard for the plight of ordinary Liberians.”
Call for Salary Cuts to Fund Repairs
As an alternate, STAND proposed that every one 103 members of the legislature—senators and representatives—finance the repairs by a collective wage discount. The group urged lawmakers to show accountability and compassion by sparing taxpayers this burden.
“The legislature must lead by example. Reducing their salaries to fund the Capitol Building’s repairs would be a meaningful gesture of solidarity with the people they serve,” the assertion emphasised.
Prioritizing the People’s Needs
STAND concluded its assertion by calling on the federal government to deal with addressing the nation’s urgent financial, healthcare, and academic challenges.
“For nearly 180 years, ordinary Liberians have sacrificed for their country with little in return. It is time for the government to reverse this trend and prioritize the needs of its citizens,” the group stated.
