In a heated debate lasting over an hour, the Liberian Senate delved into a pivotal discussion on the future of Liberia’s capital, proposing the establishment of a new capitol city to replace Monrovia.
Spearheaded by Grand Kru County Senator Albert Chie, Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Works, the debate unfolded against the backdrop of escalating challenges posed by recurrent flooding in Monrovia and its environs.
The Senate committee’s report to the plenary underscored urgent measures, including the planning and construction of a new capital city, as potential remedies to alleviate the strain on Monrovia.
This proposal also floated the contentious idea of extensive demolitions to address housing structures built on waterways and other vulnerable areas.
Climate change emerged as a central theme driving these legislative deliberations, particularly amidst the ongoing rainy season witnessing widespread flooding across Liberia.
The global discourse on climate change has underscored the imperative for countries to adopt resilient urban planning strategies, a notion echoed strongly within the Senate’s discussions.
Acknowledging Liberia’s vulnerability to climate impacts, legislators stressed the need for a climate-smart approach in designing any new urban center.
This approach aims not only to mitigate flooding but also to enhance overall environmental sustainability and resilience against future climate extremes.
The proposal for massive demolitions of illegal structures, particularly those encroaching on waterways and wetlands, garnered significant support among lawmakers.
They argued that such actions are necessary to enforce zoning laws and safeguard public safety, despite potential legal challenges and humanitarian considerations.
The motion, championed by Grand Kru Senator Numene T. H. Barterwa, called for the immediate endorsement and transmission of the committee’s recommendations to the Executive branch for swift implementation.
Central to these recommendations is the provision of relief efforts through the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) for affected communities and individuals.
Furthermore, key agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NDMA, and the Ministry of Public Works were tasked with presenting comprehensive plans to tackle the flood crisis and ensure sustainable urban development.
The Senate Committee on Modernization was also mandated to spearhead stakeholder engagements and strategic initiatives concerning the establishment of a new capital city.
The impetus for these legislative actions dated back to a recent address to the Senate by Senator Saah H. Joseph of Montserrado County, highlighting the dire consequences of recurrent flooding in Monrovia and beyond.
This prompted the Senate to convene a public hearing on June 24, 2024, where government officials from the Ministry of Public Works, Liberia Land Authority, and EPA were summoned to elucidate on flood management strategies.
During the hearing, it was revealed that Liberia predominantly faces flash flooding, exacerbated by heavy rains overwhelming the capacity of soil absorption.
Human activities such as land filling, improper waste disposal, and unauthorized construction were identified as primary contributors to this environmental crisis.
The lack of coordinated efforts among government agencies in addressing flooding emerged as a critical concern, alongside the absence of effective zoning laws and land use planning frameworks.
These gaps were deemed detrimental to mitigating flood risks and enhancing urban resilience.
Concluding their deliberations, the Senate Joint Committee on Public Works & Rural Development; Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources & Environment; and Public Corporations forwarded several recommendations to the plenary for immediate consideration to include the establishment of an institutional framework for coordinated flood management efforts among relevant government agencies.
According to the Joint Committee, intensification of public awareness campaigns on zoning and environmental laws is vital to curb activities exacerbating flooding.
They proffered implementation of demolitions in strategic locations to remove illegal structures impeding waterways and alleys.
The committees named outsourcing and continuous monitoring of drainage cleaning operations, restriction on the registration of deeds and issuance of permits for construction on wetlands by the Liberia Land Authority as well as formulation of new zoning laws and land use policies by the Ministry of Public Works, EPA, and Liberia Land Authority as cardinal to resolving the critical concern.
Exploration and planning for the development of a climate-smart new capital city was center around their recommendations.
These recommendations, the joint committee believes are poised to guide Liberia towards a more sustainable and resilient urban future, mitigating the immediate impacts of flooding while laying the groundwork for long-term environmental stewardship and development.
The Senate’s stance reflects a commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and the environment amidst evolving climate challenges.
