Residents of Peace Island and Doe communities in Monrovia on November 8 and November 15, 2024 participated in two informative town hall meetings organized by the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) on behalf of the National Road Fund of Liberia (NRF). These meetings were part of an on-going effort to engage local communities in understanding the operations and impact of the NRF, particularly focusing on its role in road development and maintenance across Liberia.
At the Peace Island Community Town Hall meeting, which saw a huge turnout of community members, the Manager of the NRF, Joseta Neufville-Wento, took center stage to highlight the importance of maintaining roads funded by the National Road Fund. In her address, she emphasized the role of the NRF in generating and expending funds for road projects, detailing how the NRF finances the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of vital road infrastructures across the country.
“These roads are not just constructed; they are funded by the National Road Fund with contributions from various sources, including taxes on petroleum products and donor funds. It is, therefore, critical for us all to take good care of these roads to ensure their longevity and the continued development of our country,” she urged the residents. Her call to action was to inspire community ownership and care for the Peace Island community road, which was also funded by the NRF.
Meanwhile, in Doe Community, the town hall meeting saw a detailed presentation from NRF Chief Program Officer, Albert Samukai, and Media Relations Director, Emmett Coker. They explained the various projects financed by the NRF and provided insight into how the entity is playing a significant role in road infrastructure improvements in Liberia. They also discussed the strategic goals of the NRF, such as ensuring that funds are efficiently utilized for the betterment of the country’s road network.
The town hall meetings were organized by CEMESP as part of a broader communication and visibility strategy, following a consultancy awarded to the organization by the NRF. CEMESP’s involvement aims to foster transparency, enhance public awareness, and ensure that citizens understand the workings of the NRF and its contributions to national development.
As part of the strategy, the sessions also gave residents a chance to voice their concerns and ask questions about the road projects and other related issues, strengthening the link between the government, the NRF, and the communities they serve.
These dialogues reflect a growing commitment by the NRF and CEMESP to engage with the public, providing them with the information they need to understand the critical role road infrastructure plays in Liberia’s development. “Through such initiatives, the NRF hopes to build greater accountability and support for its projects, ensuring that Liberia’s roads remain sustainable and beneficial for all citizens,” a CEMESP press release stated.