Who Is Responsible? House Demands Answers as Floods Continue to Swallow Monrovia's Major Streets

Monrovia, Liberia:As heavy rains continue to expose Liberia's fragile drainage system and leave major streets underwater, the House of Representatives has launched a fresh probe into the country's worsening flooding crisis by summoning the National Disaster Management Team, the Ministry of Public Works and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to explain why the problem persists despite years of public concern.

The decision followed a communication from Bong County District #6 Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah, who described the repeated flooding along Main Street in Paynesville and parts of Sinkor as a growing threat to public safety, businesses, homes and critical infrastructure. She urged the Legislature to demand accountability from institutions responsible for disaster preparedness and environmental protection.

"The recurring flooding poses a serious danger to lives, property and economic activities,"Representative Briggs-Mensah said. "The relevant institutions must provide transparent explanations and present concrete measures to address this national concern."

According to her communication, lawmakers are seeking detailed information on the root causes of the persistent flooding and water overflow affecting Main Street in Paynesville and other flood-prone communities, where residents continue to face severe challenges during every rainy season.

The House is also demanding immediate, medium-term and long-term plans to mitigate flooding, improve drainage systems and strengthen emergency response mechanisms to minimize the impact of future heavy rainfall.

Representative Briggs-Mensah further called on the institutions to explain the level of coordination among government agencies and outline preventive measures capable of protecting Liberia from experiencing a catastrophic flooding disaster similar to the recent tragedy recorded in neighboring Ghana.

Following deliberations, Plenary unanimously endorsed the communication and instructed the Chief Clerk to formally cite the National Disaster Management Team, the Ministry of Public Works and the EPA to appear before lawmakers on a date to be announced.

The latest legislative action comes as residents increasingly question the effectiveness of government efforts to tackle flooding, with submerged roads disrupting transportation, damaging businesses, destroying property and exposing communities to serious health risks during the rainy season.

The House reaffirmed its commitment to holding public institutions accountable, stressing that government agencies must move beyond explanations and deliver practical, long-term solutions to one of Liberia's most persistent urban challenges.