MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Fisheries Sector in Liberia continues to make headways, especially during the country’s postwar era.
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has made significant improvements, during this regime under the stewardship of its Director-General, Emma Metieh Glassco.
The fishing industry, no doubt is one major source of revenue generation for the country, owing to the Country’s marine space.
And because the Liberian Government has demonstrated a strong will in managing funds for the improvement of the Fisheries Sector, the World Bank’s Board has sourced additional resources in the tune of US$20 million for the improvement of the Sector.
The 20 million Dollars announced by the World Bank is in addition to 40 million dollars earlier approved by the Bank for the Liberian Government, through NaFAA, under the ‘Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project’.
World Bank Practice Manager on Environment, Natural Resources, and Blue Economy for West and Central Africa, Sanjay Srivastava, underscored that the additional support was approved, following commitment and assessment of a demonstrated will by the government to effectively manage fisheries through NaFAA.
“Liberia is one of those countries with a strong fisheries program, the World Bank Official declared.”
Undisputedly, the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project is creating more jobs for local communities, boosting the revenue potential of the Liberian Government.
At this point, we have come to the realization that the Country’s Fisheries Sector is on the rise, with significant improvements being made during the GEORGE WEAH regime.
Indeed, it requires a strong political will, coupled with good stewardship to accomplish such rapid transformation at such entity.
We, therefore, salute the World Bank for approval of the funding to further transform NaFAA and help it reach its goal.
We also commend the Liberian Government for the continued support to the entity, not leaving out the Director General of NaFAA, Madam Emma Metieh Glassco and team, for the visionary and judicious stewardship leading to the improvement of the Country’s Fisheries Sector.
As part of its transformation agenda, the entity’s newly constructed and Re-modeled Corporate Headquarters on the Bushrold Island, valued US$200 thousand Dollars, was dedicated by President George Weah on March 4, this year.
The NaFAA’s Corporate Headquarters is equipped with modern technology, which includes high speed fiber optic internet connectivity, an upscale video conference hall, national call center, electricity with an automated system and other services.
We are of the conviction that other agencies of government will emulate the good examples of NaFAA, by being proactive in formulating concrete policies and conscientiously implementing them, for advancement of their respective entities.
By doing so, the Country is bound to get better in line with government’s development agenda.
By: Victor Kezelee, Sr.