Liberia: STAND Calls for Lawmakers’ Salaries to Be Slashed to Fund US$1.8 Million Repair of Capitol Building
Monrovia – Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), one of Liberia’s most outspoken civil society organizations, has criticized the legislature for its rapid push to allocate US$1.8 million from the national budget to repair the Capitol Building’s joint chambers after a recent fire.
The group labeled the move as hypocritical, pointing to the government’s neglect of fire victims across the country, who are often left homeless and unsupported after catastrophic incidents.
In a statement issued in Monrovia through its Chairman Mulbah Morlu, STAND expressed outrage over the legislature’s apparent prioritization of Capitol Building repairs while failing to equip the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) with essential resources. The organization noted that the 2024 national budget did not include funding for a single fire truck, despite the urgent need to improve fire safety for ordinary citizens.
“This glaring disregard for public fire safety is utterly reprehensible,” the statement read. “While lawmakers rush to repair their own infrastructure, they have consistently ignored the dire need to support fire victims and empower the LNFS to protect lives and properties.”
STAND also highlighted its recent appeal to international partners for assistance in addressing the LNFS’s resource challenges. The organization praised the United States Embassy near Monrovia for responding to their call and providing support, while criticizing the Liberian government’s failure to take meaningful action.
Burdening Taxpayers Amid Economic Struggles
STAND further condemned lawmakers for imposing additional financial burdens on taxpayers through the proposed budgetary allocation. The group called for a credible and comprehensive investigation into the fire’s cause before any repair work begins.
“It would be unjust to demand taxpayers shoulder this financial responsibility, especially during the holiday season when families are struggling with economic challenges,” the statement added. “This insensitivity underscores the legislature’s inefficiency and disregard for the plight of ordinary Liberians.”
Call for Salary Cuts to Fund Repairs
As an alternative, STAND proposed that all 103 members of the legislature—senators and representatives—finance the repairs through a collective salary reduction. The organization urged lawmakers to demonstrate accountability and compassion by sparing taxpayers this burden.
“The legislature must lead by example. Reducing their salaries to fund the Capitol Building’s repairs would be a meaningful gesture of solidarity with the people they serve,” the statement emphasized.
Prioritizing the People’s Needs
STAND concluded its statement by calling on the government to focus on addressing the country’s pressing economic, healthcare, and educational challenges.
“For nearly 180 years, ordinary Liberians have sacrificed for their country with little in return. It is time for the government to reverse this trend and prioritize the needs of its citizens,” the group said.
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