By By: Alphanso G. Kalama
MONROVIA – in the St. Paul Bridge Community of Montserrado County, Dr. MacDonald Metzger, Acting Chief of Staff, delivered a significant address on behalf of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung. The occasion marked the official launch of the Liberia Flood Response Program, a pivotal initiative aimed at addressing the immediate needs of citizens affected by recent severe flooding.
In his statement, Dr. Metzger conveyed Vice President Koung’s deep concern for the thousands displaced by floods in Montserrado, Margibi, and Grand Bassa counties. The floods have left many struggling, and while the government has stepped in to provide aid, the scale of the disaster requires additional support beyond national resources.
Dr. Metzger expressed gratitude for the partnership with the World Food Program (WFP) and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), which have been instrumental in the response efforts. Despite the limitations of their control over natural disasters, the government remains dedicated to restoring normalcy for affected families as quickly as possible.
The Vice President’s representative underscored the urgency of addressing the root causes of such calamities, particularly the impacts of global warming and urban overcrowding. The latest census data reveals a troubling trend of rapid urban migration, leading to increased congestion and environmental challenges in cities. This migration, if unaddressed, could undermine Liberia’s economic development and exacerbate issues like flooding and other natural hazards.
The Liberia Flood Response Program aims to tackle these challenges by focusing on both immediate relief and long-term solutions. Key objectives include enhancing access to safe housing, improving healthcare, and supporting vulnerable populations such as women, children, and people with disabilities. The initiative also highlights the need to decentralize economic activities, investing in rural areas to alleviate urban pressure and prevent future disasters.
Dr. Metzger praised the WFP for its timely intervention and called on other international partners and friendly nations to contribute to the ongoing relief efforts. The program’s success hinges on a collective commitment to both immediate aid and sustainable development.
With this launch, the Liberia Flood Response Program marks a crucial step in addressing the urgent needs of flood victims and fostering resilience against future disasters. The Vice President’s office remains resolute in its mission to improve living conditions for all Liberians and ensure that no one is left behind in these challenging times.
In closing, Dr. Metzger urged the NDMA to prioritize the most vulnerable individuals in the distribution of cash assistance and expressed hope that the program’s efforts will make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected.
The government’s dedication to mobilizing resources and working with international partners reflects its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens and enhancing the nation’s resilience in the face of adversity.
