By Lincoln G. Peters
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia, October 21, 2026 – Lofa County Senator Joseph Kpator Jallah has called for a comprehensive review of Liberia’s municipal governance laws and stronger enforcement measures against abandoned and dilapidated buildings that pose potential threats to public safety, particularly in Monrovia.
Speaking during a Senate session on Tuesday, October 20, Senator Jallah said recent controversies surrounding the classification and legal status of cities, townships and boroughs have exposed the need for legislative scrutiny of the country’s municipal governance framework.
The Lofa lawmaker urged the Legislature to examine the Local Government Act of 2018, particularly Sections 2.16 and 9.2, to determine the legal basis for the classification and recognition of municipalities across Liberia.
He maintained that decisions affecting the status of municipalities must be guided by existing laws, official findings and relevant legal instruments rather than political or regional considerations.
Senator Jallah called on the Ministry of Local Government to submit relevant reports and supporting documents to the Legislature for examination by the appropriate committees.
According to him, such a review would help lawmakers determine whether the existing legal framework requires clarification or amendment to ensure consistency in municipal governance.
He stressed that the process should guarantee fair and transparent treatment of communities across the country without favoring one county or municipality over another.
Beyond the controversy over municipal classifications, Senator Jallah questioned whether local government authorities possess the institutional capacity and resources necessary to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
He identified sanitation, public safety, maintenance of public spaces, enforcement of municipal regulations and protection of lives and property as critical functions requiring stronger oversight and accountability.
The senator expressed particular concern over the growing presence of abandoned and deteriorating buildings in Monrovia, warning that such structures could endanger residents and surrounding properties if appropriate preventive measures are not taken.
He called for a coordinated government response to identify potentially dangerous structures and establish clear procedures for addressing the risks they pose.
Jallah proposed that the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), Ministry of Public Works and Ministry of Justice jointly review existing laws governing dangerous buildings and public nuisances.
The review, he explained, should determine whether current legislation provides sufficient authority for municipal officials to inspect, regulate and address unsafe structures or whether additional legislation is required.
He suggested consideration of a national Dangerous Buildings and Public Nuisance Abatement Act to establish a comprehensive legal framework for dealing with abandoned and unsafe properties.
Such legislation, if pursued, would require lawmakers to define the responsibilities of relevant institutions and establish procedures for addressing public safety concerns while respecting property rights and due process.
Meanwhile, Senator Jallah called for legislative engagement with the University of Liberia and other stakeholders over the possible autonomy of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law.
He urged the Senate to initiate consultations aimed at developing a legal and policy framework that would examine the feasibility of granting the institution greater administrative independence.
The lawmaker emphasized that any proposal for autonomy must protect academic standards, preserve institutional accountability and ensure that the law school continues to serve the country’s legal education needs.
According to him, municipal governance, public safety and legal education are separate but important institutional issues requiring clear legal mandates, competent leadership, adequate resources and effective accountability mechanisms.
He maintained that reforms in these areas should be pursued through consultations, legislative scrutiny and respect for the constitutional responsibilities of public institutions.
Senator Jallah cautioned against unnecessary institutional disputes, stressing that government agencies must operate within their legally defined mandates.
He said strengthening Liberia’s public institutions and ensuring consistent enforcement of the law are essential to improving public safety, promoting national development and restoring citizens’ confidence in governance.
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