Rep. Rugie Barry, Representative of District One in Montserrado County, has outlined a series of initiatives to address pressing community challenges, including security, education, infrastructure, and labor disputes. Speaking at a legislative report presentation held in Bentol’s Administrative Building over the weekend, Rep. Barry shared updates on her work and plans to improve the lives of her constituents.
A key focus of the report was security, with Rep. Barry announcing plans to construct three sub-police depots in the district to combat rising criminal activities. The depots will be located in Louisiana Township, Fendell, and Todee. Local leaders have been tasked with providing land for these facilities, which are expected to bolster regional safety and law enforcement.
Rep. Barry highlighted her legislative accomplishments and noted her successful advocacy to increase budgetary support for Benson Hospital in Bentol. The hospital’s funding has been raised from $25,000 to $150,000, a move she described as critical for improving healthcare access in the district.
Rep. Barry also addressed ongoing labor tensions at the Morris Rubber Farm Company near Mount Gibi County. She is mediating between the company’s workers and management to resolve disputes that have strained relations.
In her legislative agenda, Rep. Barry revealed she is drafting two bills. One seeks to incorporate environmental education into school curricula to promote sustainability. At the same time, the other proposes that flour producers allocate 10% of their production to cassava flour, a measure aimed at supporting local farmers and boosting food security.
The recent violence in Benben Town also featured prominently in her address. Rep. Barry called on the Ministry of Mines and Energy to suspend mining activities in the area, following unrest that resulted in injuries to civilians and police, as well as the displacement of residents. She emphasized that mining should not resume until these issues are resolved.
Rep. Barry outlined plans for infrastructure development, noting that $35,000 has been allocated for legislative projects in the district. These funds will be used to construct a bridge in the Success Community, a project agreed upon in collaboration with the District Development Council.
Electricity access remains a challenge, but Rep. Barry reported progress. Following assessment tours with the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), electrical poles are now installed near White Plains. On telecommunications, she announced that a site for a new tower has been identified with the help of Orange Liberia, promising improved connectivity for the district.
In education, Rep. Barry revealed plans to secure a 10-acre plot of land in Fendell from the University of Liberia to construct a high school and children’s playground. However, she expressed disappointment over low participation in the Tuazama Foundation’s computer training program, where only 65 out of 125 enrolled youths remain actively involved.
Rep. Barry also shared updates on her initiatives. She reported spending USD 13,960 and 4,897,250 Liberian Dollars on scholarships, community projects, women’s microfinance programs, bridge construction, and food donations to vulnerable groups.
District One, the largest in Montserrado County, encompasses two statutory districts—Careysburg and Todee—the city of Bentol, and eight townships. With an estimated population of 75,000, the district faces unique challenges that Rep. Barry has vowed to address through her legislative and community-focused efforts.
