Swedish Gov’t renews support to decentralization

The new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden accredited to Liberia, Ambassador Lena Nordstrom, has renewed commitment of her government’s support to implementation of the national Policy on Decentralization and Local Governance.

The Ambassador underscored the importance decentralization; saying, her office will do everything possible to begin releasing funds before the end of this year in support to the country’s decentralization program.

“Decentralization is an important program to us, we are convinced of its impact on the population, that is why we will ensure funds be ready before the end of the year,” Ms Nordström reiterated.

According to a release, the Swedish envoy gave the assurance when she met with Acting Internal Affairs Minister Hon. Varney A. Sirleaf at his Capitol Hill office on Tuesday,

She praised the Liberian government for efforts towards decentralization, especially its Deconcentration program which will ensure effective delivery of basic services at the County-level.

Speaking earlier, Acting Internal Affairs Minister, Hon. Varney Sirleaf thanked the Swedish Government through its International Development Agency (SIDA) for committing to the decentralization agenda. He briefed Ambassador Nordström on the strategy by government through the Liberia Decentralization Support Program (LDSP) to establish County Service Centers in all 15 Counties.

The strategy in contained in the National Deconcentration Platform, launched in Gbarnga, Bong County in February, 2015. He said as part of the strategy, the Grand Bassa County Service Center located in Buchanan, was opened in July, and that processes leading to the opening of additional four County Service Centers are in advanced stages.

Hon. Sirleaf assured that the Internal Affairs Ministry will work closely with the Swedish Embassy on key programs including the peacebuilding and reconciliation drive throughout the Country.-Press release