Montserrado County Electoral District 17 Representative Bernard Blue Benson Jr. has called 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 September 15, Benson requested dedicated government funding for five historic communities in District 17: Arthington, Clay-Ashland, Millsburg, Royesville, and Cheesmanburg.
Benson emphasized the social, cultural, political, and historical significance of these communities, expressing concern that years of inadequate public investment have contributed to infrastructure deficits and limited access to essential services. He 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.
The lawmaker noted that the region has produced four of Liberia's 26 presidents, underscoring the importance of ensuring that the communities receive meaningful development attention. He outlined major concerns, including deteriorating road networks, inadequate educational and healthcare facilities, poor sanitation, limited administrative capacity, and a lack of sustained community-development programs.
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 alleged 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 provisions for the district in the 2025 and 2026 national budgets. This alleged funding gap has compounded the challenges facing communities already struggling with inadequate infrastructure and essential services.
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 and improve living conditions.
Benson's 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, and the administration's response to his request was not included in the statement provided.
Key points
- Rep. Benson requests dedicated funding for five historic communities in District 17.
- The lawmaker alleges that the district has not received development funds since Fiscal Year 2024.
- Benson urges the Boakai administration to prioritize rural Montserrado in the 2027 budget.
