The Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), one of Liberia’s most vocal civil society organizations, has condemned the legislature’s rapid push for a US$1.8 million allocation to repair the Capitol Building’s joint chambers following a recent fire. STAND denounces this urgency as glaring hypocrisy, highlighting the government’s chronic neglect of countless Liberians who have endured catastrophic fire disasters across the country, leaving entire families homeless and destitute without any meaningful support.
In a statement issued in Monrovia, Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND) slams the glaring disparity in government priorities, decrying the legislature’s relentless push for Capitol Building repairs while virtually sidelining the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) in the 2024 national budget, where not a single fire truck was procured. STAND denounces as utterly reprehensible the legislature’s blatant disregard for public fire safety, even as they shamelessly demand taxpayers foot the bill for their infrastructural repairs.
Earlier this year, STAND engaged international development partners, seeking their humanitarian intervention to address the LNFS’s inadequate resources for combating fire outbreaks and ensuring the safety of ordinary citizens—a request that was commendably supported by the United States Embassy near Monrovia.
While criticizing lawmakers’ lack of seriousness towards finding solutions to the ‘Bread & Butter’ needs of the people, the continuous and prolonged internal disputes have also become a burden to the ordinary taxpayer.
Therefore, as the nation awaits the outcome of a credible and comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the fire, it would be unjust to impose additional burdens on taxpayers by using the national budget—funded largely by their tax dollars—for repair work. Such a demand would reflect extreme insensitivity to the plight of the suffering masses, especially in light of the legislature’s longstanding inefficiency and disregard for the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Responding to the Senate’s request for a US$1.8 million allocation to repair the Capitol Building, STAND firmly insists that all 103 members of the national legislature—both senators and representatives—should fund the repairs through a collective salary reduction. The organization urges lawmakers to demonstrate genuine accountability and compassion by sparing taxpayers this financial burden, particularly during the holiday season, when countless families are struggling with significant economic challenges.
STAND concludes its statement by calling on the government to prioritize the needs of its citizens, stressing for nearly 180 years, ordinary Liberians have always sacrificed for their country without adequate returns. While the people continue to support their government, it is time for the government to provide for its citizens, addressing their economic, healthcare, and educational needs.
Earlier, the Liberian Senate Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget proposed an allocation of US$1.8 million in the draft national budget for fiscal year 2025 to renovate the Joint Chamber of the Capitol Building, which was severely damaged by fire on December 18, 2024.
The devastating blaze left the chamber, a critical venue for joint legislative sessions, unusable. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities yet to provide details on what led to the incident.
The Joint Chamber serves as the central meeting place for lawmakers from both the Senate and House of Representatives during important legislative proceedings, including the State of the Nation Address and budget discussions. With the chamber out of commission, lawmakers have been forced to seek alternative venues, complicating legislative processes.
The US$1.8 million proposal is intended to cover the complete restoration of the chamber, including repairing structural damage, replacing furniture, and upgrading technology to meet modern standards.
Senator Gerald Smith, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget, underscored the importance of the allocation during a recent budget hearing. “The Joint Chamber is the heart of our legislative operations. Its renovation is not just about rebuilding a space; it is about ensuring the continuity of our democratic processes,” he stated.
Other lawmakers have expressed support for the renovation plan, emphasizing the need to expedite the project to avoid prolonged disruptions to legislative activities. While the proposal has been welcomed by many, some members of the public have called for transparency in the allocation and use of the funds. There are growing demands for the government to provide detailed reports on the renovation project, including contracts awarded and timelines for completion.
The December 18 fire has raised questions about the safety standards at the Capitol Building. In response, a team of investigators has been tasked with determining the cause of the fire, but their findings have yet to be released.
The incident has also reignited calls for enhanced fire safety measures across government buildings, with experts suggesting regular inspections and the installation of modern fire detection and suppression systems.
As the 2025 fiscal year approaches, all eyes will be on the Legislature to ensure the proposed budget allocation for the renovation is approved and effectively utilized. The restoration of the Joint Chamber is expected to serve as a litmus test for the government’s commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure and addressing public concerns about accountability.
The Capitol Building remains a symbol of Liberia’s democracy, and its restoration is not just a structural necessity but a reaffirmation of the nation’s resolve to protect its institutions.
