Pres. Weah Launches Community Development Program, Throws Shades at Oppositions
Monrovia– President George Weah, has officially launched the Accelerated Community Development Program (ACDP) with calls to opposition politicians not to politicize the move.
The project is coming into effect just a few months before the general elections.
“I know that this initiative is coming a year before the Presidential and General Elections and that there are some who will say this is a political project to win votes,” he said. “Let me make it clear. This is not the case.”
According to the Liberian leader, work on the program began several years ago, including a feasibility study that was done in 2019 by Price Waterhouse Coopers.
“Since I spoke to you last year to kick off this program, we have been putting all the elements in place and mobilizing the financing to ensure that when we start,” he said further, adding, “We have the resources needed to continue.”
The Accelerated Community Development Program (ACDP) is aimed at bringing development and growth to rural and urban areas. It will be implemented as a partnership between the Government of Liberia, the United Nations, the World Bank, and other development partners.
Meanwhile, President Weah has requested the Minister of Finance and Development Planning to work with the UNDP, World Bank, African Development Bank, IMF, and the rest of the International Partner Community to conclude financing of approximately US$100m for the first phase of the program, which is to be implemented over the period 2022-2025.
The President also directed all Ministries and Agencies to collaborate in the implementation of the program and channel any support necessary.
He revealed plans to transition the program into a permanent national community development mechanism, which will be open to direct applications from communities for support.
“For all our partners here, I do wish to invite you to collaborate with us on this initiative. As you should realize, we are putting in place the building blocks for sustained long-term development,” the President stressed.
According to him, the government of Liberia is solving the critical constraints of infrastructure and connectivity by improving our road networks.
“We are solving the problem of energy and electricity, which is key for private sector investments. We are improving governance and tackling accountability,” President Weah emphasized. “It is important government ensures that ordinary Liberians can see real improvements in their lives with these critical investment interventions.”
He emphasized the need for farmers to bring their goods to markets, and that men, women, and children in every village can have access to water and solar-powered electricity, while the very poor can have the dignity of a proper sanitation facility
President Weah said he remains firmly committed to the promises he made when he took office in 2018.
The Liberian leader made the statements on Monday, October 24, 2022, at the UN House in Monrovia during ceremonies marking United Nations Day.
