By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The Senate’s Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget, chaired by Bong County Senator Prince K. Moye, has proposed an initial allocation of $1.8 million in the 2025 Draft National Budget to commence renovation work on the Rotunda and Joint Chamber of the Capitol Building, which were recently damaged by fire.
The Capitol Building, home to Liberia’s Legislature, was gutted by flames on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, in an incident that shocked the nation. The fire occurred amid a contentious standoff among members of the House of Representatives over the removal of embattled Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa.
During Thursday’s plenary session, Senator Moye emphasized the urgency of the proposed allocation, noting the impending State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, scheduled for the fourth working Monday in January 2025, as mandated by Article 58 of the 1986 Liberian Constitution.
“The fire incident has underscored the need for immediate action to restore our legislative chambers, particularly as we prepare to host the President for his annual address next month,” Senator Moye said. He assured that the proposed funds, if approved, would benefit taxpayers by ensuring the smooth functioning of government operations.
Moye described the Capitol Building as a symbol of democratic governance and stressed the importance of safeguarding and maintaining its integrity, especially amid political disagreements. “The dignity and working space of lawmakers must be prioritized to enable them to carry out their constitutional duties effectively,” he said.
The Bong County lawmaker also expressed his frustration over the fire incident and called on his colleagues to support the renovation efforts, emphasizing that such action would not only restore the Capitol Building but also reaffirm the Legislature’s commitment to national governance.
The proposal will now undergo further legislative review as part of the FY2025 Draft National Budget discussions.
