28/08/2024
The Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, H. E. Jeremiah kpan Koung Koung Commits Government to Mobilizing Local and International Resources to Improve Citizens' Living Conditions; Launches Liberia Flood Response Program
STATEMENT BY DR. MACDONALD METZGER, ACTING CHIEF OF STAFF, ON BEHALF OF HONORABLE JEREMIAH KPAN KOUNG, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA ON THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF LIBERIA FLOOD RESPONSE PROGRAM AT ST. PAUL BRIDGE COMMUNITY, MONTSERRADO COUNTY.
DELIVERED ON AUGUST 28TH, 2024.
Madam Christine N. Umutoni, UN Resident Coordinator,
Madam Mary Njoroge, WFP Country Director,
Hon. Ansu V.S. Dulleh, Executive Director, National Disaster Management Agency,
Hon. John Charuk Siafa, City Mayor of Monrovia,
Officials of Government,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
The Media,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
I bring you warm greetings from the Honorable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia. It is an honor to represent him at the official launch of the Liberia Flood Response Program. This initiative is crucial as we come together to address the pressing challenges faced by our people who have been affected by the recent flood disaster.
The recent flooding has left many of our fellow citizens across Montserrado, Margibi, and Grand Bassa counties displaced and in dire need. While the government has intervened, our resources are limited, and we are unable to meet all the needs of those affected on our own.
We are deeply grateful for the support of the World Food Program and the collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency, which significantly bolsters our efforts. Although we may not have control over such natural occurrences, our leadership is demonstrated through our ability to help our people return to their normal lives as swiftly as possible.
As leaders, it is our sacred duty to prioritize the welfare of our citizens and to ensure that they have a safe environment in which to thrive and contribute to nation-building. The statistics are sobering—nearly 50,000 people were affected by flood-related disasters in June alone this year. This is not just a number; it represents families, homes, and livelihoods that have been disrupted.
The recent census report by the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) highlights an unprecedented rate of urban migration, leading to congestion and a host of environmental challenges in our cities. This trend, if left unchecked, poses a significant threat to our nation’s progress in economic growth and development. The concentration of our population in urban areas increases the risk of poverty, unemployment, and environmental hazards, including natural disasters.
This report is a clarion call for us to decentralize economic activities by investing in agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities in rural areas. Failure to do so will only exacerbate the issues of flooding, fires, epidemics, and other calamities that stem from overpopulation in urban centers.
As we empathize with the victims of these floods, we must also commit to addressing the root causes of such disasters. Global warming and the climate crisis are real threats that demand our urgent attention. It is imperative that we work hand-in-hand with the relevant authorities to establish sustainable solutions.
I stand here today with a message of hope: to our citizens, you are not alone. Your government is here for you. We are committed to mobilizing resources, both locally and from our international partners, to improve your quality of life.
Beyond financial aid, we aim to ensure that you have access to safe and decent housing, quality healthcare—especially for women, children, and people with disabilities.
I want to commend the ONE UN family, particularly the World Food Program, for their timely and invaluable intervention. As we continue to endure the rainy season, many of our people remain in vulnerable and deplorable conditions, particularly in urban areas. I call on other development partners and friendly nations to follow the good example that the WFP is setting here today.
It is now my honor, on behalf of Honorable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, to officially launch the Liberia Flood Response Program. I am confident that these efforts will make a real difference in the lives of those affected and will serve as an encouragement for all. I also urge the National Disaster Management Agency to ensure that this Cash Assistance reaches the most vulnerable among you first.
Thank you, and may God bless us all.
