By Archie Boan
Monrovia — Former Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Commissioner, Pearl Brown-Bull, has responded sharply to recent remarks by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf describing the capital as a “dirty city,” urging the ex-leader and her associates to contribute to ongoing sanitation efforts.
In a public statement, Brown-Bull acknowledged the city’s sanitation challenges but attributed the situation largely to a lack of funding. “We are doing our best. These people are doing well. The MCC is doing well. All they need is funding. Right now, no donor money. No funding,” she said, referring to the Monrovia City Corporation.
She argued that the current state of cleanliness is directly linked to financial constraints, noting that previous administrations had greater access to resources. “It is dirty because there is no money. But Madam, you were there, and y’all had money that time,” Brown-Bull stated.
The former TRC Commissioner further called on Sirleaf and her network to actively support sanitation initiatives, including mobilizing financial assistance. She suggested that funds previously directed toward initiatives such as the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development could instead help address urban cleanliness challenges.
“Y’all call her to come and help… Y’all come out and let’s clean this place,” Brown-Bull said, emphasizing shared responsibility for maintaining the city.
Highlighting specific improvements, she pointed to Randall Street as an example of areas where cleanup efforts have shown progress.
Brown-Bull also appealed for inclusion in international engagements aimed at securing support for sanitation programs. “I am an ambassador for sanitation. Y’all come and put me on one of your trips to go and beg for funding,” she added.
Her remarks come amid ongoing public debate over urban sanitation in Monrovia, with residents and officials alike expressing concern over waste management and the need for sustainable funding solutions.
