MONROVIA β In continuation of his leadership reform initiatives at the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Β Richard Nagbe Koon, has disclosed plans to strengthen key administrative departments by ensuring they are fully empowered through dedicated budgetary allocations.
Speaking during a leadership meeting held on Monday, Speaker Koon emphasized the need for departments including the Office of the Chief Clerk, Sergeant-At-Arms, Legislative Information Service (LIS), and the Department of Press and Public Affairs to each have a specific budget line inserted in the Houseβs budget.
According to the Speaker, the move is intended to enhance the independence, efficiency, and pro-activeness of these critical support units in carrying out their duties. He stressed that the absence of individual budget lines has often limited the capacity of these departments to function optimally.
βIn order to make these departments more effective and proactive in their operations, I have instructed the Committee on Ways, Means and Finance to ensure their budget lines are factored into the upcoming national budget,β the Speaker said.
Additionally, as the Rainy Season approaches, the Speaker assured that necessary logistical support, including rain gear for security personnel assigned at the Capitol Building, is being arranged to ensure their comfort and effectiveness during inclement weather.
These initiatives form part of the Speakerβs broader commitment to institutional strengthening, transparency, and operational efficiency within the House of Representatives.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the House of Representatives has invited the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) to appear before full plenary on Tuesday, May 20, to provide a comprehensive update on the reported outbreak of the Monkeypox virus in the country.
The decision was reached during a leadership meeting held on Monday, 19 May following widespread media reports confirming the re-emergence of the virus in some parts of the country.
The House seeks to understand the current status of the outbreak, response strategies being implemented, and the level of preparedness by NPHIL and relevant health authorities to contain the spread and protect the public.
βWe are concerned about the health and safety of our people. It is our duty as national leaders to ensure that our health institutions are not only prepared but are actively taking measures to prevent further spread of Monkeypox,β a member of the House leadership stated following the meeting.
The appearance of NPHIL Director General Dr. Dougbeh Nyan before plenary will also provide lawmakers an opportunity to assess resource needs, inter-agency coordination, and public awareness strategies to be rolled out in response to the outbreak.
The House remains committed to supporting all national efforts aimed at safeguarding public health and urges citizens to remain calm, adhere to health protocols, and stay informed through credible sources.
