MONROVIA — The Ministry of Local Government (MLG), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Liberia Decentralization Support Programme (LDSP), has received a consignment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment aimed at strengthening County Development Planning Units (CDPUs) across the country.
The package—comprising desktop computers, laptops, printers, air conditioners, and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units valued at over US$25,000—will benefit five southeastern counties: Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Maryland, Grand Kru, and Sinoe.
Authorities say the intervention is designed to enhance institutional capacity at the county level by improving data management, enabling real-time reporting, and strengthening coordination among local governance structures—key components for evidence-based planning and efficient service delivery.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Deputy Minister Designate for Local Government and Decentralization, Edward Mulbah, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to decentralization as a cornerstone of inclusive governance and sustainable development.
“For decades, centralized decision-making has limited citizens’ ability to influence development initiatives in their own communities,” Mulbah said. “Decentralization shifts power closer to the people. It enables communities to define their priorities, shape development agendas, and take ownership of outcomes.”
He noted that the establishment of County Development Planning Units is grounded in the Local Government Act of 2018 and reinforced by the Revenue Sharing Law of 2022—two frameworks that underpin efforts to strengthen subnational governance and ensure more equitable resource allocation.
Mulbah further disclosed that, with support from UNDP and other partners, 15 CDPUs have been established nationwide. The latest handover equips five additional counties, bringing the number of counties supported with ICT tools to nine. He added that the remaining counties—Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa, Bomi, and Gbarpolu—will be outfitted as resources become available.
He emphasized that CDPUs, established under Chapter 5 of the Local Government Act, play a central role in coordinating county-level development processes, including data collection and analysis, proposal development, monitoring and evaluation, and the implementation of County Development Agendas.
“Equipping these units is essential to translating decentralization policy into tangible results for citizens,” he stressed.
Reaffirming UNDP’s partnership with the Government of Liberia, Stanley Kamara, Team Leader for Inclusive Governance and Public Institutions, highlighted the importance of digital tools in modern governance.
“Strengthening ICT capacity at the subnational level is critical for improving institutional performance, promoting transparency and accountability, and enabling data-driven decision-making,” Kamara said.
He added that the support reflects UNDP’s continued commitment to inclusive governance and improved service delivery, ensuring that development initiatives respond to the real needs of communities.
The Ministry also acknowledged contributions from UN Women and other partners, as well as financial support from the Government of Sweden, whose funding to the LDSP made the procurement and delivery of the equipment possible.
Officials emphasized that the ICT tools are dedicated exclusively to the County Development Planning Units to enhance planning, coordination, and reporting functions. The initiative forms part of a broader national effort to modernize public sector systems, strengthen accountability, and deepen inclusive local governance across Liberia.
The handover underscores the enduring partnership between the Government of Liberia and UNDP, reinforcing a shared commitment to building resilient institutions and advancing accountable, results-oriented governance nationwide.
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