The Ministry of Internal Affairs, in collaboration with UN Habitat, has launched the draft National Urban Policy (NUP) during phase three of the National Urban Forum, under the theme, “Implementing the New Urban Agenda and SDGs In Liberia: Towards a National Urban Policy”.
The forum, which was held at the Monrovia City Hall on Thursday, May 4, 2023, aimed at shedding light on the progress made thus far in the formation of a National Urban Policy (NUP) for Liberia, which started in 2016, and at the same time highlighted the challenges that the urban sector is faced with.
Presenting on “The Development Process and Progress of the National Urban Policy”, the Assistant Minister for Urban Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Abubakar Bah, underscored that the urban sector faces lots of challenges that are somewhat difficult to mitigate; as such, the urban policy forum is intended to promote sustainable urban development in Liberia.
He emphasized that the urbanization policy should not only focus on Monrovia and Paynesville, as there are other cities in the country that need financial support to ensure that there is an urbanization plan for sustainable urban development, with the involvement of all stakeholders.
According to him, the coming into effect of the National Revenue-Sharing Act and the identification of other sources of revenue will ensure that every city is empowered.
Internal Affairs Deputy Minister for Administration, Momolu Johnson, who gave a special statement on behalf of the Internal Affairs Minister, Varney A. Sirleaf, said the importance of developing a national urban policy for Liberia is to first evaluate the current urbanization opportunities and challenges, and afterwards formulate long- and short-term solutions to leverage on opportunities and mitigate possible challenges for a better and prosperous future.
Acting Minister Johnson said the government is exerting efforts in providing the best opportunity for achieving resilient and sustainable urbanization by linking sectorial policies and connecting national, regional and local government policies, strengthening urban, peri-urban and rural links through integrated territorial development.
He reminded mayors attending the forum that in 2022 Liberia’s urban population comprised 53.1% of the country’s total population of approximately 5.2 million. He said as of 2015 the urban population was estimated to be 50% of the country’s total population, with an annual urban population growth rate of 4.7%. He said the capital city, Monrovia, grew to more than 1.6 million people in 2022 and now comprises more than 40% of Liberia’s urban population in the greater Monrovia area.
The NUP Consultant, Bindu Taylor-Brewer, provided a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the final draft of the National Urban Policy.
The forum was moderated by the Taylor-Brewer, and brought together various stakeholders and partners in the urban sector, including the Council of Mayors, superintendents, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Engineering Society of Liberia, Liberia Land Authority, Liberia Institute of Architect, Ministry of Public Works and Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.