By Iyabo Ishola
Liberia’s housing sector is under increasing strain, as rising construction costs and limited access to financing continue to make decent housing unaffordable for many citizens. The situation is particularly severe in urban centers, where a growing number of residents struggle to find safe and suitable living spaces.
During a regular press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Managing Director Hon. Florence Geegbae highlighted the worsening overcrowding in Monrovia. She explained that continuous migration to the capital has fueled the expansion of informal settlements, where living conditions are often inadequate and unsafe.
According to reports, nearly 70 percent of the population resides in slum-like conditions.
The country currently faces a shortage of more than 200,000 housing units, a gap that must be addressed to ease congestion and improve living standards.
Geegbae further noted that an additional 163,035 homes will be needed to accommodate population growth, while approximately 4,900 housing units require replacement annually due to deterioration.
Projections indicate that by 2030, Liberia will need over 512,000 urban housing units.
In response, the government is working with financial institutions such as Republic Bank and LBDI to roll out mortgage programs aimed at improving access to housing finance.
Authorities are also exploring land acquisition in key areas including Kakata, the RIA corridor, and along the Bomi Highway to support future housing developments.
The National Housing Authority, established in 1960, continues to serve as the government’s primary agency for housing development, overseeing planning, regulation, and the delivery of affordable housing nationwide.
An official noted that the institution initially faced major challenges, including deteriorating infrastructure, limited resources, and low staff morale.
However, steps have been taken to improve operations, including renovating office spaces, providing essential tools, and introducing a new website and corporate email system.
