22/10/2025
House Of Representatives Poised to Debate $25 Million Social Safety Net Fund Amid Growing Hardship Among Vulnerable Citizens
By: S. WINSTON BLYDEN, SR
Members of the Honorable House of Representatives of The 55th National Legislature is poised to deliberate tomorrow on a compelling appeal from Rep. J. Fonati Koffa of Grand Kru County, calling for the establishment of a USD 25 million Social Safety Net Fund to aid vulnerable citizens across Liberia.*
In a formal letter presented to the House, Rep. Koffa emphasized the growing hardship faced by many Liberians amid the country's mixed economic indicators.
He painted a poignant picture of families struggling to meet basic needs, such as school fees and rent, which has led to increased migration, hardship, and social distress.
**A Call for Urgent Action**
Rep. Koffa highlighted the stark reality: "Many families have become migratory, moving from one place to another when rent becomes due.
Heads of households linger outside their homes at night, unable to pay rent; children are kept indoors to avoid shame over unpaid school fees."
He underscored that this crisis persists despite the country's substantial legislative and executive benefits, luxury travel, and government spending on high-end vehicles and projects.
He argued that Liberia must adopt a more equitable approach, emphasizing the moral duty of government to uplift its citizens in times of need.
"When the people are hungry, when children cannot go to school, when rent becomes an unbearable burden, the government must act," Koffa stated.
**Learning from Global Practices**
Drawing parallels with advanced economies, the legislator pointed out that countries like the United States operate social programs such as food stamps and rental assistance to safeguard their populations. He urged Liberia to implement similar measures to protect its vulnerable citizens.
**Proposed Funding Measures**
To finance the proposed Social Safety Net Fund, Rep. Koffa recommended several cost-saving measures:
- Cutting non-essential benefits and allowances across government branches
- Limiting foreign travel for public officials, except on critical missions
- Restricting the purchase of new government vehicles
- Redirecting surplus funds from the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC)
- Borrowing from the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), with repayment plans
**Legislative Expectations**
The House of Representatives is expected to review and debate this proposal during session on Thursday, 23 October during its 4th Day sitting of the 3rd Quarter of the 2nd session.
**A Call for Compassion and Urgency**
Rep. Koffa concluded his letter with a plea for swift action, emphasizing that the time to act is now. "As representatives of the people, we must respond with urgency and compassion to ensure no Liberian is left behind in these difficult times."
The upcoming session promises to be a critical moment in Liberia's efforts to address social inequalities and provide relief to its most vulnerable populations.
The House's decision could mark a significant step toward establishing a national safety net that aligns Liberia with international standards of social protection.
