Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County – Jeremiah G. Sokan, the newly elected Representative of Grand Gedeh District #1, has concluded a series of consultative visits to discuss the utilization of US$100,000 allotted for developmental projects within the constituency in the 2024 national budget.
This initiative, mandated by the 2024 budget, requires lawmakers to engage with their constituents to identify priority projects. During these engagements, Rep. Sokan solicited the views of residents on how best to allocate the funds.
The $100,000 earmarked for each of Liberia’s 73 districts will be managed and implemented by the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE). LACE is tasked with overseeing all community development projects to ensure transparency and accountability.
“I came here today to discuss the $100,000 allocated in the budget for each district. I want you to tell me how we should use this money,” said Rep. Sokan during one of the meetings.
He emphasized the importance of citizens’ input in the decision-making process to promote open governance.
Elected on April 23, 2024, following the death of the Rep. Erol Madison Gwion, Rep. Sokan campaigned on improving road connectivity and electricity access in the district.
In a short span since his election, he has cleared 15 kilometers of roads and initiated discussions with the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and Lib-Energy, a private energy company, to provide electricity to the district’s fifty-six communities.
Despite these initial efforts, residents highlighted ongoing challenges such as inadequate road infrastructure, poor drainage, insufficient healthcare services, and the need for better housing for people with disabilities.
Specific projects proposed during the consultative meetings included the pavement of roads leading to Zwedru Community College and the reactivation of the college’s nursing department.
Community leaders and residents expressed their appreciation for Rep. Sokan’s proactive approach.
Dixon Bagalo, General Secretary of the district’s disabled community, praised the lawmaker for including disabled citizens in the consultation process.
“This is the first time we have had the opportunity to tell our lawmaker what we need,” he said.
Davidson Barlee, a representative from the County Department Office, commended Rep. Sokan for fulfilling his campaign promises and encouraged continued engagement with constituents.
The US$100,000 budget allocation aims to address key developmental needs identified by the residents of Tchien District, ensuring that their voices guide the implementation of these crucial projects
