MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The House of Representatives has ratified a financing agreement between Liberia and the International Development Association (IDA) for the Liberian Women Empowerment Project.

According to ELBC Legislative Reporter, Plenary’s decision followed a report from its Joint Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Development Planning, Judiciary and Gender.

The instrument, as requested by the Executive, is to help strengthen Liberia’s capacity to advance women and girls’ empowerment, reduce poverty and inequality amongst women and girls.

Under the agreement, the IDA has agreed to extend to Liberia a grant and a credit deemed as Concessional Financing.

Meanwhile, the instrument is pending concurrence by the Liberian Senate.

In another development, the House of Representatives is reviewing a bill seeking to establish Ferry Transport Service across Liberia.

The bill, when approved, will grant the National Transit Authority (NTA) the right to operate the Ferry Transport Service.

The Ferry Bill was approved by the Liberian Senate recently and forwarded to the House of Representatives for concurrence.

The Bill, if passed, will expand the scope of operation of the NTA to provide waterway transportation using ferry boats as alternatives to busses, which cannot reach many parts of the Country.

Meanwhile, Plenary has instructed its Joint Committees on Transport and Judiciary to re view and report to Plenary in May this year.

By: Emmanuel Kollie