Grand Bassa County Superintendent Janjay Baikpeh has confirmed that the Government of Liberia has remitted US$1,529 million into the county’s account for major development projects and programs.
In his revelation on October 6, Supt. Baikpeh said the amount represents portion of the ArcelorMittal Liberia Social Development Fund and the County Development Allotment from national government.
The fund was remitted following consistent engagements by the Grand Bassa County Legislative Caucus and the local administration with the Ministries of Finance and Development Planning, Internal Affairs following the May 7 and 8, 2021 County Council Sitting in Buchanan.
Each year as enshrined in the Mineral Development Act (MDA), ArcelorMittal Liberia is obligated to pay US$3m to the counties of Bong, Nimba and Grand Bassa,
Of the amount, 33.3 percent of this money is apportioned to Grand Bassa County.
According to the County’s Chief Executive Officer, the money will help fast-track development projects and programs approved during the past County Sitting, and also support the Media as the County prepares for the National County Sports Meet.
Despite the laudable statements from both the Caucus and the County Administration, the amount has now been placed in a critical box to determine prioritized projects and programs, owing to the reality that the anticipated US$2.7 million projection made in accordance with the resolution was not realized; and instead US$1.529 million was made available.
“Considering national priorities, the Government appealed to us to expend the first allotment, while the remaining funds would be made available after the December County Sitting,” Superintendent Baikpeh said.
He cited clinics, bridges and school facilities as ongoing projects that would be placed on the priority list; stating further that the Weah-led administration will remain relentless until development reaches the remotest parts of the county and across Liberia.
Apart from the County Sitting Resolution, the Superintendent also revealed the fruitful outcome of President Weah’s April 21 to 24, 2021 visit to Grand Bassa.
He explained that during the visit, the President approved the Grand Bassa Community College bridge construction, installation of solar panel lights in all the four statutory districts, and the construction of a state-of-the-art market building in both Buchanan and Electoral District #Two.
It can also be recalled that during his tour, the President pledged to construct a Stadium in Gorblee, Wee Statutory District, where he grew up and played soccer as a young man; a project that was also captured in the approved list of President Weah’s preferences.
Since the inception of the CDC Administration in 2018, Grand Bassa County has always accessed its County and Social Development Funds that have contributed to several infrastructural developments.
They include the construction of a Commissioner’s residence, bridges, Youth Center, expansion of Junior high schools, installation of solar panel Lights at public institutions, and support to the Liberia National Police, the Community College and the Bassa High School, among other essential projects and programs.
