In a significant move toward decentralization and grassroots development, reports reveal that the Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposed to the President by the Legislature includes a groundbreaking district development fund of $300,000 per district. This fund, intended for direct allocation to local development initiatives, represents a historic step towards bringing government resources closer to the people.
Traditionally, government expenditure has been heavily skewed towards centralized institutions, with only a fraction of taxes collected being reinvested in local communities. However, the introduction of a district development fund marks a departure from this trend, signaling a substantial boost for democratic governance and community empowerment.
House Speaker Fonati Koffa has emerged as the driving force behind this progressive initiative, championing the cause of grassroots development and inclusive governance. Under his leadership, the Legislature recently approved the Fiscal Year 2024 National Budget amounting to US$738,859,827, reflecting a significant increase of 6.7 percent from the version initially submitted by the Executive through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
The Executive’s initial budget proposal, totaling US$692 million, was subject to rigorous scrutiny and review by the Joint Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance, as well as the Public Accounts Committees of both the House and Senate. Through extensive consultations with revenue-generating entities, the committees identified additional projected revenue amounting to US$46,451,000, paving the way for the augmentation of the budget and the allocation of funds towards vital developmental initiatives.
The district development fund, sourced from the newfound revenue, is earmarked for the strengthening of community institutions and the development and maintenance of local infrastructure. This bold policy decision represents one of the most progressive moves ever undertaken by the Legislature under Speaker Fonati Koffa’s leadership, signaling a commitment to grassroots empowerment and inclusive development across Liberia.
In response to the historic budget proposal, one lawmaker remarked, “This district development fund underscores our commitment to fostering inclusive growth and ensuring that every district in Liberia benefits from national resources. By empowering local communities, we are laying the foundation for sustainable development and equitable prosperity.”
Echoing this sentiment, the Town Chief of Gogen in Nimba County said, “For too long, our communities have been neglected in favor of centralized institutions. This district development fund represents a turning point, allowing us to take ownership of our development agenda and address the unique needs of our constituents.”
The budget is currently with the President, awaiting final approval.
