MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Emmanuel Yarkpawolo, says the Climate Information System Project Steering Committee’s first meeting is a significant milestone in improving Liberia’s ability to forecast weather events, issue early warnings, and better protect vulnerable communities.

 According to Dr. Yarkpawolo, the meeting turnout reflects a shared national commitment to safeguarding the population, economy, and environment from the growing impacts of climate variability.

Dr. Yarkpawolo also highlighted significant progress in validating key documents, reviewing baseline assessments, enhancing coordination among institutions, and preparing the annual work Plan and Budget for the project.

Despite these achievements, Dr. Yarkpawolo disclosed that the project is facing several emerging challenges that require immediate attention by members of the PSC team.

He said,” If these challenges persist, they could disrupt the project timelines and hinder collaboration with key partners, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, among others”.

Meanwhile, the Project Manager of the Enhanced Climate Information System, Nelson Jallah, outlined key challenges to the Project Steering Committee (PSC) that are affecting the project for immediate attention by members.

These issues, according to Mr. Jallah, include the African Development Bank disbursement shortfall and delay, procedural misalignment in procurement and payment methods, and withholding tax compliance issues, among others.

He said that as the highest decision-making body on the CIS Project, the PSC’s team involvement is critical to ensure the AfDB collaborates with project heads in meeting its objectives.

Mr. Jallah was speaking in an interview with ELBC at the first PSC meeting held in Congo Town. The meeting brought together representatives from key government ministries, agencies, commissions, and international partners, among others.

At the same time, the CIS Project Steering Committee has instructed Mr. Jallah and his team to submit a summary of their challenges, which will be reviewed and forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for onward engagement with the African Development Bank.