By Henry B Gboluma Jr
BOPOLU CITY, Gbarpolu—The Gbarpolu County Council, in collaboration with the County Administration, has invite all citizens and Lawmakers to participate in a public hearing on the 2025 Development Budget.
This important event aims to promote transparent, inclusive, and accountable governance as the county prepares to shape its development priorities for this 2025.
The two-day County Council Public Hearing is scheduled for July 29-30, 2025, and will be held at the Bopolu City Hall.
The event seeks to foster broad-based stakeholders’ participation, ensuring that their voices are reflected in the county’s development plan.
The draft budget, carefully prepared by the local administration following extensive district consultations held from April 1-18, 2025, emphasizes community involvement in decision-making. Chairperson, Lucia Massaquoi said the collaborative process ensures that the needs and concerns of residents are prioritized.
The proposed total development budget for Gbarpolu in 2025 is $706,000 USD, sourced from County and Social Development Funds provided by the National Government, along with contributions from the Western Cluster Social Contribution.
Under the theme “Inclusive Budgeting for Sustainable Development,” the public hearing underscores Liberia’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act of 2018.
Specifically, Chapter 2, Section 2.1(g), mandates that local governments “shall formulate and implement county development plans.” Additionally, Section 2.2(e) states that the local government shall “approve the annual budget,” and Section 2.2(f) emphasizes the approval and implementation of the county’s development plan.
Importantly, Chapter 2, Section 2.8(c), highlights that “the Council shall ensure broad-based citizens’ participation in decision-making on significant issues such as the annual county budget and development plan,” advocating for town hall meetings and consultations with citizens.
Meanwhile, the County, led by Madam Lucia Massaquoi, is encouraging residents, community leaders, and members of the Gbarpolu Legislative Caucus to attend and actively contribute to shaping the county’s development agenda.
This engagement marks the first of its kind since the activation of the County Council and underscores Gbarpolu’s commitment to responsible governance and sustainable growth.
