“Blame Landowners, Not Lawmakers” — Mulbah Defends District 3 Record, Rejects Flooding Criticism

MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Montserrado County District #3 Representative Sumo Mulbah has mounted a strong defense of his legislative record, rejecting growing criticism over flooding and sanitation problems in the district while accusing opposition youths and some journalists of unfairly politicizing the crisis.

Rep. Mulbah, in a message addressed to citizens of District #3, said his administration has delivered measurable progress despite not benefiting from the 2024 and 2025 national budgets or District Development Funds.

He said his focus as a lawmaker has remained centered on the three constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight and representation, arguing that his record demonstrates strong performance across all three areas.

According to Mulbah, his office has supported the construction of local markets, rehabilitated community roads during successive dry seasons and invested heavily in the education and skills development of young people across the district.

He disclosed that the district's Technical and Vocational Education and Training program has graduated 678 students, while construction is underway for a dedicated TVET college intended to provide sustainable skills training for residents.

The lawmaker also highlighted a broad scholarship program, saying his office has supported 58 students at the Monrovia Vocational Training Center, six at LOIC/MVTI, 224 secondary school students, 13 local university students and seven students through foreign scholarships.

However, Mulbah's strongest response was directed at criticism surrounding flooding and sanitation, particularly in the Neezoe community.

He argued that while flooding is a serious problem, a lawmaker should not automatically be held responsible for problems he says are caused by land mismanagement and unauthorized construction. “How can a lawmaker be held responsible for the consequences of localized land mismanagement and unauthorized construction?” Mulbah asked.

He claimed that critical swamp areas in Neezoe were sold by parents and landowners and later occupied by structures that blocked natural drainage channels, which he said has contributed significantly to the community's flooding problems.

Mulbah further disclosed that his office provides L$100,000 annually to Neezoe community leadership for drainage cleaning and sanitation materials. He said his office also supplied two tricycles, 100 wheelbarrows, 120 shovels and 120 heavy-duty rain boots to support community sanitation efforts.

The representative challenged community leaders to account for the funds and equipment, saying the continued sanitation problems raise questions about how the resources provided to address them have been managed.

Mulbah said he remains committed to District #3 and called on what he described as partisan youths and biased journalists to stop what he termed “malicious fabrications,” insisting that his development record should be judged by the citizens.

“Let the citizens of District 3 be our ultimate judge,” Mulbah said, maintaining that his office has produced what he described as an unprecedented level of direct and tangible development in the district.