IPNEWS: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Cabinet, on Thursday, November 12, endorsed a framework to build up to 5,000 affordable homes for government employees, starting with 600 units. The Government Employee Housing Project could create up to 6,000 skilled and unskilled jobs. It calls for a proposed investment of up to US$300 million, subject to financial and regulatory approvals.
Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA) and chair of the Special Presidential Housing Committee, presented the framework at the 26th Cabinet meeting, held at the Executive Mansion’s Tea House. The Committee developed the framework with LARIX Company Limited, the proposed developer and financing partner. Dr. Joekai said the US$300 million figure sets a planning ceiling and gives the project room to accommodate changes in development costs.
The plan would give eligible government employees across salary grades access to mortgages of up to 20 years, with payments made through payroll deductions. It calls for transparent selection of beneficiaries and proposes targeted assistance for qualifying lower-income employees. The CSA Director General said the Ministry of Public Works developed technical drawings and structural specifications for four housing models, with two designs each for two-and three-bedroom homes. The Government expects the model to eventually open homeownership opportunities to other Liberians.
Housing Committee Chairman Joekai told Cabinet members that the Project would create work for skilled tradespeople, engineers, technicians and other construction workers. He said roughly 90 percent of unskilled positions would go to Liberian workers. Local builders and other businesses could also benefit from subcontracting opportunities and increased demand. He projected that access to affordable housing could help public servants move from renting to owning and improve employee morale, retention and productivity.
The Project is placed within the Government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. The Civil Service Agency chairs the Special Presidential Housing Committee, with the National Investment Commission as co-chair. The committee will coordinate with the ministries of Finance and Development Planning, State for Presidential Affairs, and Public Works, as well as the Liberia Land Authority and National Housing Authority.
Before breaking ground, the Government must complete technical, legal and financial due diligence, finalize financing and sign a definitive agreement with LARIX. Construction can begin once the required conditions are met.
Also at the meeting, the Cabinet endorsed three proposals from the Ministry of Youth and Sports under Liberia’s Youth, Peace and Security, launched earlier in September. The proposals are the 10-Year Youth Vision Document, the Youth Impact Compact, and the Annual State of the Youth Report.
The 10-year vision calls for Youth Pathway Hubs in all 15 counties. Designated as the Presidential Legacy Project for the Youth of Liberia, the hubs would be led by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in partnership with the Ministry of State. The proposed centers would provide offices and meeting spaces for youth groups, technical and vocational training, technology innovation centers, creative arts studios and theaters, and sports facilities such as football fields and basketball courts.
Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah said the hubs would give young people access to training, technology, the arts and sports in their own communities. She said the Youth Impact Compact would help ministries plan together and pool resources, while the annual State of the Youth Report would strengthen the government’s ability to collect and use its own data and research on young Liberians.
