Liberia: Rep. Benson Urges Boakai to Prioritize Rural Montserrado in 2027 Budget

District 17 Lawmaker Seeks Dedicated Funding for Five Historic Communities, Citing Infrastructure Gaps and Alleged Non-Receipt of Development Funds

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By Jaheim Tumu

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Monrovia — Montserrado County Electoral District 17 Representative Bernard Blue Benson Jr. is calling on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to give greater attention to the development needs of rural Montserrado in preparing the 2027 National Budget.

In an open letter to President Boakai dated Tuesday, September 15, Benson requested dedicated government funding for five historic communities in District 17: Arthington, Clay-Ashland, Millsburg, Royesville and Cheesmanburg.

He argued that the longstanding challenges facing these communities require urgent and sustained government attention.

Benson emphasized their social, cultural, political and historical significance, while expressing concern that years of inadequate public investment have contributed to infrastructure deficits and limited access to essential services.

The lawmaker also highlighted the economic potential of the five communities, particularly in agriculture, tourism and cultural development, arguing that these sectors could contribute more meaningfully to local and national growth with targeted government investment.

Pointing to the region’s place in Liberia’s history, Benson noted that it has produced four of the country’s 26 presidents. He said this historical contribution underscores the importance of ensuring that the communities receive meaningful development attention.

Among the major concerns outlined in his letter are deteriorating road networks, inadequate educational and healthcare facilities, poor sanitation, limited administrative capacity and a lack of sustained community-development programs.

At the heart of Benson’s appeal is the argument that residents of rural Montserrado should have equitable access to public services and the benefits of national development, regardless of where they live.

Questions Over Development Funds

Benson also raised concerns about the implementation of the District Development Funds (DDF) and Social Development Funds (SDF), which are intended to support development initiatives.

He argued that bureaucratic and political challenges have undermined the effectiveness of these funding mechanisms, limiting their impact on communities in need.

The District 17 lawmaker further alleged that the district has not benefited from DDF or SDF allocations since Fiscal Year 2024, despite what he said were provisions for the district in the 2025 and 2026 national budgets.

The alleged funding gap, he suggested, has compounded the challenges facing communities already struggling with inadequate infrastructure and essential services.

Calls for Targeted 2027 Budget Support

As preparations continue for the Fiscal Year 2027 National Budget, Benson is urging the Boakai administration to translate budgetary commitments into visible development projects across Arthington, Clay-Ashland, Millsburg, Royesville and Cheesmanburg.

He is seeking particular attention to infrastructure and essential public services, arguing that targeted investments could help address persistent socioeconomic inequalities, improve living conditions and expand opportunities in agriculture and tourism.

Benson also maintained that sustained government investment could strengthen public confidence by demonstrating that rural communities are receiving tangible benefits from national development initiatives.

His appeal brings the development needs of rural Montserrado into the broader debate over equitable public investment, particularly for historically significant communities that he believes have not received adequate government support.

The concerns and funding allegations outlined in Benson’s letter have not been independently verified. The administration’s response to his request was not included in the statement provided.