Monrovia –The House of Representatives has passed a joint resolution mandating the Executive to secure loans for the construction of roads across the country.
The House’s decision was predicated upon a resolution signed by at least 48 lawmakers of the House of Representatives.
It comes just a week after the House speedily ratified controversial loan and financing agreements summing up to US$1 billion.
In the resolution, the lawmakers maintained that the pavement of roads across the country is undisputed as it would boost economic activities and rapid development.
The resolution is being sponsored by Representatives Joseph Momo Matthews (CDC-District #3 Gbapolu County), Thomas Fallah (CDC-District #5 Montserrado County), Francis Saidy Dopoh (UP-District #3 River Gee County), and Beyan Howard (UP-District #5 Lofa County).
“We the members of the House of Representatives and Senate do hereby authorize the President of the Republic of Liberia to employ all legal and legitimate means in securing loan financing agreements for the construction of paved roads leading to the 15 counties,” the resolution stated.
Speaking after the passage of the resolution, Gbarpolu County District Three Representative Joseph Matthews added that the fastest way to achieve development is through road connectivity.
Representative Matthews who lauded President Weah for prioritizing road under his administration pledged the legislature’s commitment of monitoring for smooth implementation.
Roads to be impacted in the event where additional loans are secured, according to the lawmakers include, Sawmill (Gbapolu County) to Gbarma-Kongba-Vahu to Menekroma, Voijamia, Kolahun and Foya, Lofa County. Other areas include; Bopolu, (Gbarpolu County) to Belle to the Mano River, Zwedru to Fish Town and Montserrado Soul Clinic, Johnsonville, Mont Barclay, Tyler Island 72nd connection.
Other corridors to be connected include, Todee to Bomi corridor, Neckley’s Town to Rehab, Pipeline to White Plains and Bong to Gbapolu, amongst others.
The resolution, a copy which is in the possession of this paper, showed that more than 41 members who were present in Tuesday’s session signed the resolution.
Article 34 (iii)of the 1986 Constitution states that, no loan shall be raised by the government on behalf of the Republic or guarantees given for any Public institution or authority otherwise, then by, or under the authority of Legislature enactment.
In the lawmaker’s resolution they argued that the attainment of SDGs requires domestic resource mobilization, and it is raised by the Government on behalf of the republic or guarantees given for any Public institution or authority otherwise, then by, or under the authority of legislature enactments.
The Liberian Senate Monday, June 11, ratified the two financing agreements in concurrence with the House of Representatives. The agreements include Hummingbird Mineral Development Agreement and the US$420 million EBOMAF S.A Road Financing Agreement.
The EBOMAF financing agreements ratified during Monday special session brings to US$1 billion received as loan for road construction under the George Weah government. With just six months in office, this Liberian government has concluded three agreements, which the Senate ratified in a week.
Meanwhile the approved resolution by the lower House has been forwarded to the Liberian Senate for concurrence.
