JUWEH TOWN, RIVERCESS COUNTY – A new era of healthcare access is set to begin for residents of Jerry King Village and surrounding communities as the Community Forestry Development Committee – FMC-B prepares to dedicate a newly constructed clinic valued at $93,000 USD on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
The facility, funded through the community’s share of forest revenue, marks a major milestone in local development initiatives tied to Liberia’s forestry sector.
“This clinic is more than just a building, it’s a symbol of what we can achieve when government, communities, and partners work together,” said Matthew Tee Walley, Chairman of CFDC-FMC-B, in an interview with Verity News. “It’s a win for healthcare, transparency, and responsible forest management.”
A Model of Shared Governance
The initiative stems from the National Forest Reform Law of 2006, which mandates that forest-affected communities receive 30% of land rental fees paid by logging companies operating in their areas.
The Community Forestry Development Committee (CFDC), in partnership with the National Benefit Sharing Trust Board (NBSTB), oversees the use of these funds to ensure they serve local needs.
Since its formation in 2015, the CFDC-FMC-B has channeled forest revenues into impactful projects across the FMC-B concession area, and the Juweh Clinic stands as the most recent success.
Community-Led, Government-Backed
The clinic was constructed in Jerry King Village, a decision reached in 2021 by the Weh Clan and other stakeholders within Yarnee District. The funds were allocated from the 30% community share of logging revenue, with the NBSTB providing oversight and financial monitoring.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the government and the affected communities, the clinic will initially be supported by CFDC-FMC-B for its first year of operation. After that, the Government of Liberia will take over responsibility for running costs, ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability.
The River Cess County Health Team has also been instrumental in supporting the planning and upcoming operations of the clinic.
Looking Ahead
For residents of the remote gold rich community, the new health facility brings hope. It is expected to reduce travel times to distant hospitals and improve health outcomes, particularly for maternal and child health.
Chairman Walley emphasized that the dedication ceremony is more than a ribbon-cutting event, it’s a reminder of how natural resources, when managed responsibly and equitably, can transform lives.
The formal dedication of the Juweh Clinic is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025 and is expected to draw local leaders, government officials, development partners, and community members in celebration.
