By: Alphanso G. Kalama
Some protesters who were seen lying on the Broad street, precisely Infront of the Ministry of Financial
On Monday, September 30, 2024, workers from the Temporary Empowerment for Community Youth (TECY) project took to the streets outside the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, demanding payment for 13 months of unpaid salaries they claim the Liberian government owes them. The protest caused significant disruptions, blocking major roads and drawing attention to the plight of vulnerable workers.
Many protesters were women and elderly citizens, holding placards and brooms, while others sat in the streets to obstruct traffic. Their chants echoed a desperate plea: “We want our pay; our children are not in school due to lack of fees, and we have no way to sustain our families.” The demonstration underscored the dire economic struggles faced by these community members.
Launched in April 2022 under the former Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) administration, the TECY project aimed to provide jobs for 1,100 vulnerable individuals across 14 slum communities in Montserrado County. However, the promise of job security has faltered, as many workers find themselves without compensation for over a year.
TECY supervisor Joseph David informed The Liberian Investigator that the government had allocated US$2.5 million in the June 2024 national budget to settle the workers’ salary arrears. However, after the Unity Party assumed power, the situation changed drastically, leading to further frustration among the workers.
Despite promises from former Finance Minister Boima Kamara to address the outstanding salaries, his resignation before fulfilling that commitment left many feeling abandoned. David expressed dismay at the recent meeting with newly appointed Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, where they learned only US$200,000 was allocated for TECY in the 2024 recast budget.
Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Ngafuan, Speaking to the Aggrieved TECY Workers.
In response to the protests, Minister Ngafuan announced the formation of a three-party committee, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and TECY leaders, to resolve the issue. He acknowledged the government’s obligation to honor its commitments to TECY workers.
Ngafuan emphasized the government’s dedication to addressing salary arrears but noted that financial constraints complicated the situation. He highlighted the broader financial demands on the national budget, stressing that while the government intends to pay, the timeline is contingent on available resources.
As negotiations unfold, the TECY workers remain hopeful yet frustrated. They demand accountability and timely payments, urging the government to prioritize their welfare and the future of their families. The protest marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights and economic justice in Liberia.
