The House of Representatives has endorsed a series of recommendations targeted at West Africa Forestry Development Incorporated (WAFDI) in District 2, Grand Bassa County.
The decision, announced by the House Press Bureau on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, follows an extensive review conducted by the newly established Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
The committee was tasked with investigating a formal complaint lodged with the Honorable House through the Concession Review Committee by WAFDI.
The complaint accused District 2 Representative Clarence T.J. Banks of impeding its activities, leading to financial losses.
The committee’s findings prompted recommendations for summoning WAFDI, the Management of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).
These entities are required to provide comprehensive information in accordance with the 2006 National Forestry Reform Law, particularly focusing on Chapters 3 and 4.
Central to the House’s concerns is the effective control of illegal logging, seen as pivotal to promoting good governance and combating corruption.
The legislative body underscored the importance of land reform and industrial development while stressing the imperative of safeguarding forests and natural habitats across the country.
Furthermore, the House emphasized the need for WAFDI to furnish a copy of its Memorandum of Understanding with local communities in its operational areas.
This requirement is coupled with pending visits to other reported sites where logging activities may have adversely affected local crops and habitats.
In parallel, the House mandated the FDA to provide detailed insights into WAFDI’s operations, signaling a concerted effort to ensure regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship.
As stakeholders await responses from the cited entities, the House of Representatives however through its Press Office says it remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing environmental and economic concerns tied to forestry operations in Grand Bassa County and beyond.
Credit: House of Representatives Press
