Duazon, Margibi County _ 01/11/24 _ The Government of Liberia, under the leadership of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, has demonstrated a commitment to addressing the payment of community shares of land rental fees. This commitment is evidenced by the completion of an initial payment of USD 300,000, which is part of the total USD 746,292 allocated for forest communities in the 2024 National Budget. This initial payment represents 40% of the total amount designated for these communities.The USD 300,000 has now been successfully deposited into the account of the National Benefit Sharing Trust Board. However, there remains an outstanding balance of USD 446,292, which constitutes the remaining 60% of the allocated funds for the year.“The NBST is pleased to inform you that it has received from the MFDP the amount of US$300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand United States Dollars). This amount represents 40% of the US$746,292.00 that was appropriated in the 2024 national budget for Affected Communities. The disbursement was made in Liberian Dollars (LRD) in two separate payments. Please see details below”: Check No.Check Value (USD)Exchange RateLRD Equivalent256147120,000.00194.5723,348,400.00255320180,000.00194.1734,950,600.00Total300,000.00 58,299,000.00 A spokesperson for the National Union of Community Forestry Development Committees (NUCFDCs) expressed gratitude towards the government for its attentiveness and initial steps taken to alleviate these financial challenges. They specifically acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and the FDA Managing Director for their active engagement in ensuring the release of these funds, as well as the support from media colleagues such as Liberia Forest Media Watch and The Daylight.Despite this progress, the NUCFDCs urge the government to expedite the remaining payments, particularly the outstanding balance of USD 446,292 appropriated in the 2024 National Budget. This payment is crucial for fulfilling budget allocations intended for forestry communities.As the government prepares to draft the 2025 National Budget, NUCFDCs calls upon both the Executive and Legislative branches to prioritize the appropriation and payment of over USD 6 million in arrears owed to forest communities. Addressing these outstanding payments is essential as Liberia transitions into a new Revenue Sharing Regime.”This is our formal appeal for renewed efforts to resolve the longstanding issue of community land rental fee arrears once and for all,” concluded the spokesperson.For further information or media inquiries, please contact:Phone: +231 776 791 452 / +231 77 748 5964 / +231 777 385 943Emails: unionofcfdc2016@gmail.com / vincentdoe44@gmail.com / zelemenandrew@gmail.com / abukamara020@gmail.com
