By Lewis S. Teh
A group-style Citizens Engagement Board (CEB) under the leadership of robust former Mayor of Monrovia Mary Broh has vowed to give Monrovia and its environs a facelift ahead of Christmas.
Addressing a news conference Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at the Monrovia City Corporation, Madam Broh, who is also current Director-General of the General Services Agency (GSA) said the CEB will work directly with the city government of Monrovia to advise strategies and plans that will prepare the city for the pending festive holidays, and the impending 2022 Bicentennial Commemoration, including advice for the Urban Renewal Initiative (URI).
She says the URI is a roadmap of 35 deliverables for the city, adding the CEB will report to the Office of the Mayor, with an operational tenure of November 1, 2021, to January 7, 2022.
Madam Broh recalls that on October 21, 2021, incumbent Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee announced the formation of a Citizens Engagement Board, and named 14 Liberians to help in crafting ideas to clean up Monrovia and its environs.
She says the CEB welcomes the full participation of Montserrado County superintendent Florence Brandy, including Chairman and members of the Montserrado Legislative Caucus, Township Commissioners, Tribal Governors, and Community leaders, saying “We also call on the Ministry of Public Works, Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, Liberia Electricity Corporation, Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Disaster Management Agency to join hands to clean the city.
She adds that with the approval of Mayor Koijee, the CEB will execute a list of activities, including guidance on sanitation, plans, and actions for the city of Monrovia, and also offer pieces of advice on a cultural program that promotes the image of Monrovia.
We will also develop ideas that will impact the general state of the environment and security in the city of Monrovia” she says, adding that they will liaise with structures and departments of the city corporation to engage communities and stakeholders to promote a clean city.
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The CEB will also provide ideas on seeking and attracting resources to carry out plans and invite citizens’ participation in activities that will impact the long-term governance of the city of Monrovia.
Since the announcement by the mayor, the CEB has met and consulted for the finalization of a work plan to ensure that Monrovia is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the holidays and the 2022 Bicentennial Commemoration, she says.
She details the CEB work plan will utilize four key principles, including enhanced public awareness through sustained media engagement, community-based approach to waste management solutions, active public participation in developing long-term urban governance advisory, and innovative cultural and creative arts as a medium for promoting national and historical pride.
“The citizens’ engagement board will embark on a successful journey only if the CEB will receive moral support of all residents of Monrovia.”
She calls on all religious leaders, traditional leaders, the legislature, local government officials, community leaders, youth groups, students, the business community, and development partners to rally around the CEB to work for the greater good of Monrovia.
Members of the CEB include Mary T. Broh, chairperson; Amb. Julie Endee, Co-chair; Thomas Doe Nah, member; Mr. Aaron Kollie, Rev. Christopher Toe, Mr. Amos Williams, Imam Ali Krayee, Bishop Rudolph Marsh, Amb. Daintowon Paye- Bayee, Madam Setta F. Saah, Mr. Mohammed Ghandi Kamara, Mrs. Helen Nah Sammie, Mr. James Stricter, and Mr. Eddie Jarwolo.
At the same making remarks, a member of the CEB, and CEO of Infinity Incorporated, Liberian broadcast Journalist Aaron Koille expresses delight for his preferment and calls on citizens not to politicize the initiative that he says aims at developing Monrovia.https://thenewdawnliberia.com/eu-envoy-monrovia-the-dirtiest-disgusting-city/ Editing by Jonathan Browne
