-DENIES DISSOLUTION OF CITIES
Liberia’s Ministry of Local Government has distanced itself from a recent report, suggesting that several cities across the country had been dissolved, clarifying that the statement made by Deputy Minister for Urban Affairs, Fatima Bintu Sirleaf, did not represent an official decision of the Ministry.
Appearing before the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Minister of Local Government, Francis Nyumalin, apologized to the lawmakers over the announcement and explained that no final decision has been made to dissolve any city.
Minister Nyumalin said the Ministry in collaboration with other government institutions and development partners, conducted an assessment to determine which cities meet the requirements to retain their current status and which may need to be downgraded.
According to the Minister, the assessment report has already gone through a validation process involving key stakeholders, including county superintendents, lawmakers, and residents of the affected communities.
He said the report is now ready for submission to the Legislature for consideration and possible action.
However, Minister Nyumalin disclosed that the Ministry is carrying out additional analysis to determine the social and economic impact that could result from downgrading some cities before making its final recommendations to lawmakers.
He explained that downgrading a city could have significant consequences, particularly for local government officials and employees.
“Downgrading a city would mean that the mayor would lose the position,” Minister Nyumalin told lawmakers, adding that civil servants currently on the government’s payroll in affected cities could also potentially lose their jobs.
The Minister said the Ministry is therefore assessing the number of individuals who could be affected by any decision to downgrade a city.
He emphasized that the additional assessment is intended to provide lawmakers with adequate information to guide their consideration of the report and any subsequent decisions regarding the status of Liberia’s cities.
Minister Nyumalin’s clarification comes amid concerns generated by the earlier announcement, which reportedly created uncertainty among residents and local authorities in some parts of the country.
The Ministry is expected to formally submit its assessment report to the Legislature, where lawmakers will have the opportunity to review the findings and determine the appropriate course of action.
Footage Africa Magazine — You Speak, We Report.
