A move aimed at restructuring Liberia’s approach to national development has been introduced and advocated for by Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa of Grand Kru County .
The Senator has embarked on a vigorous campaign to separate the Planning Division from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), advocating for its establishment as an autonomous institution.
This proposal, discussed during today’s legislative session addresses critical deficiencies in national planning that Senator Bartekwa believes are hindering Liberia’s progress.
During a press engagement attended by scores of journalists, Senator Bartekwa underscored Liberia’s urgent need for comprehensive national planning.
He pointed out that the current congestion and flooding issues in Monrovia are symptomatic of inadequate urban planning frameworks.
“Monrovia, originally designed to accommodate around 400,000 inhabitants, now houses over 2 million people. This rapid urbanization without proper planning has exacerbated infrastructure challenges, leading to congestion and flooding,” Senator Bartekwa emphasized.
Drawing comparisons with international practices, he highlighted the importance of strategic urban planning to prevent overcrowding and ensure sustainable urban development.
He believes these planing will affect all sectors of the country thus fostering sustainable development.
Senator Bartekwa argued that the MFDP is currently overwhelmed with financial management responsibilities, leaving insufficient focus on strategic national planning.
He proposed reviving a dedicated Ministry of Planning, citing historical precedents where each county and ministry had their own planning officers.
“The previous Ministry of Planning facilitated localized planning initiatives, where every ministry and county collaborated on tailored development plans. This decentralized approach was more effective in addressing local needs and promoting balanced regional development,” Senator Bartekwa explained.
He stressed that an independent Planning Division would enable Liberia to formulate cohesive national development strategies aligned with economic growth, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability goals.
Senator Bartekwa expressed optimism about gaining bipartisan support within the Legislature for his proposal.
He noted that several colleagues have already signaled their endorsement, recognizing the imperative to strengthen Liberia’s planning capacity for effective governance and economic progress.
Highlighting past challenges in implementing comprehensive planning strategies, Senator Nemenee T. H. Bartekwa acknowledged the need for institutional reforms and capacity-building measures within the proposed Planning Division.
He emphasized the importance of transparency, public participation, and expert consultation in formulating inclusive development plans.
The Senator’s initiative to establish an independent Planning Division reflects a proactive approach to addressing Liberia’s developmental challenges.
By advocating for structured national planning, he aims to enhance governance efficiency, attract foreign investment, and promote sustainable development across Liberia.
