By: Peter Kollie |Lofa Correspondent
Zorzor, Lofa County I March 21, 2026|Representative Augustine B. Chiewolo has released his 2025 Annual Legislative Report, outlining a year marked by active lawmaking, strategic development projects, and targeted social interventions aimed at improving the lives of citizens in District #5.
The report captures progress across the district’s two administrative areas—Salayea and Zorzor—despite a challenging political environment at the national level.
The 2025 legislative year began with a prolonged six-month impasse at the House of Representatives of Liberia, during which lawmakers conducted sessions at the Sentinel Pavilion. The deadlock was resolved on May 13, 2025, following the election of Richard Nagbe Koon as Speaker with 43 votes, in line with a ruling from the Supreme Court of Liberia.
Despite the disruption, Rep. Chiewolo maintained active participation in legislative proceedings while simultaneously delivering development initiatives to his constituents.
Following the resolution of the leadership crisis, the Speaker constituted the House’s standing committees, assigning Chiewolo to several key roles. He currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on LRRRC, Co-Chairman on Health and Agriculture, and a member of the Committees on Executive and Labor—one of the most extensive portfolios held by a District #5 representative in recent years.
Legislative Achievements and Policy Initiatives
During the reporting period, the lawmaker introduced three major bills aimed at strengthening education and human capacity development. These include a proposal to establish a vocational and technical training center at Salayea Central High School, legislation to transition the Change Agent Network University into a public institution, and a bill seeking to upgrade the Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts into a degree-granting college.
The TNIMA upgrade bill has already been passed by the House and is currently awaiting concurrence from the Liberian Senate.
In addition, Chiewolo submitted five major communications to plenary addressing both national and local concerns. These include calls for investigations into alleged killings of Lofa citizens, reported cases of medical malpractice at ELWA Hospital, and concerns over incomplete projects by the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment.
He also advocated for increased budgetary support in 2026 for key health and education institutions, including facilities in Salayea and Zolowo, as well as the Phebe-Esther Bacon College of Health Sciences.
Infrastructure and Community Development
Beyond legislation, the report highlights a wide range of development projects implemented across District #5.
In Zorzor District, Chiewolo allocated US$17,000 to construct a modern latrine at the administrative compound, alongside a borehole system to provide safe drinking water. Additional water and sanitation projects included the installation of hand pumps in several communities and the construction of a six-faucet water kiosk to improve access to clean water.
The rehabilitation of the Bluyeama Clan road, funded at US$12,000, has also restored access to previously isolated communities, particularly during the rainy season.
In Salayea District, development efforts focused on sanitation and public infrastructure, including the construction of a modern latrine, water tower, and water kiosk at the administrative compound. Renovations to the Salayea City Guest House were completed through the County Development Fund, while the Gorlu Town Hall project—valued at US$15,000—is nearing completion.
Additional projects were carried out in communities such as Zelakpalah, Borkeza, and Yarpuah, covering borehole construction, school support, and community hall development. In Wakasu Town, building materials were donated for a new school, while Gizzigboiga Town benefited from educational supplies.
Empowerment, Education, and Social Support
A major highlight of the report is the emphasis on women and youth empowerment. In partnership with the Rural Empowerment Skills Training Organization, 169 citizens—90 percent of them women—were trained in soap production using a Trainers-of-Trainers model, promoting entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
Education support also featured prominently, with financial assistance provided to 31 students at Lofa County University and scholarships awarded to four students at African Methodist Episcopal University. Additional funding was directed toward supporting volunteer teachers and improving conditions in public schools across the district.
Other interventions included agricultural support programs, assistance to women’s and youth groups, humanitarian aid, and donations to religious and community institutions.
Overall, the report indicates that approximately US$51,670 and L$1.8 million were invested in development, humanitarian, and empowerment initiatives throughout 2025.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While highlighting significant progress, the report acknowledges ongoing challenges, including infrastructure deficits, limited healthcare services, and the need for post-election reconciliation in some communities.
Rep. Chiewolo, however, reaffirmed his commitment to unity and development, urging citizens across Salayea and Zorzor to set aside differences and work collectively toward sustainable growth in District #5.
