By: Laymah Kollie
The Liberian Senate has mandated its Joint Committee on Internal Affairs and Judiciary to review and advise the body over the dissolution of statutory districts as well as the relegation of some cities seven (7) years following the coming into force of the Local government Act.
The Senateโs mandate followed a communication from Maryland County Senator, J. Gbleh-bo Brown during its 34th day sitting referencing sections 2.15(a) and 2,16c of the local government Act.
In his communication, Senator Brown reminded plenary that the Local Government Act of 2018 as part of the governmentโs decentralization policy was designed to promote national unity and ensure equal participation in governance.
The Act aims to devolve administrative, fiscal, and political authority from the central government in Monrovia to local government structures across Liberia.
He explained that Section 2.15(a) of the Act, โAll existing Statutory Districts shall continue to exist for a period of seven years after the passage of this Act. During this period, the Minister responsible for local government shall ensure the retirement of all Statutory District employees.โ
Following this seven-year transitional period, which ends on November 19, 2025, all existing Statutory Districts are to be dissolved.
Additionally, 2.16(c) of the Act also states that โโcities other than the national and county capitals shall continue to enjoy their legal status under this act.
However, the Minister responsible for local government shall report to the legislature on the status of each city seven years following the passage of this Act for the purpose of reaffirmation. Cities that will not meet the criteria set in this Act shall be relegated to town status.
In light of the impending deadline, Senator Brown requested that plenary instructs Senate Secretary Nanborlor Singbeh to formally communicate with the Minister of Internal Affairs submitting a detailed retirement plan for all Statutory District employees in keeping with Section 2.15(a), and Present a reaffirmation methodology plan for the legal status of cities other than national and county capitals in line with Section 2.16(c) of the Act.
Meanwhile, Plenary has unanimously endorsed Senator Brownโs request and subsequently mandated its Joint Committee on Internal Affairs and Judiciary to take charge of the matter and report with findings and recommendations.
