The Liberian Senate, led by President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, is taking proactive steps to lessen the destructive effects of heavy rainfall and ongoing flooding. Following careful consideration, the Senate ordered on July 4, 2024, that all pertinent government agencies submit a comprehensive plan to address the nation’s flooding situation.
A thorough report from the Senate’s Public Works Committee, which looked into the flooding’s underlying causes, guided this decision. Important suggestions include demolishing structures that impede rivers and reevaluating the notion of creating a new capital city, which former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf first supported. Senators contend that traffic makes drainage problems in Monrovia worse, which increases the intensity of floods.
The Senate has also promised to fund the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in addition to these measures. With the increased budget for fiscal year 2024 exceeding $800,000, the NDMA is encouraged to find efficient alleviation measures. The Senate’s Modernization Committee is leading talks about the viability of a new capital city, even as urgent steps are being taken to combat flooding in Monrovia and surrounding areas.
This proactive stance shows the Senate’s dedication to protecting people and property while tackling the urgent issues brought on by Liberia’s frequent natural catastrophes.
