Africa-Press – Liberia. The Managing Director of the National Housing Authority (NHA), Florence K. Geegbae, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering 600 housing units across Liberia, providing a comprehensive update on the status of the project amid public concerns about delays.
Speaking at the regular press briefing of the Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism in Monrovia, Geegbae clarified that the initiative is progressing through critical preparatory stages and has not been abandoned as suggested in some reports.
She identified Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Bomi, Bong, Nimba, and Lofa as the six counties selected to benefit from the housing program, noting that the project is aimed at addressing Liberia’s long-standing housing deficit while improving living standards for low and middle income families.
According to Geegbae, the initiative represents a key component of the development agenda of President Joseph Boakai, which prioritizes access to affordable housing, reduction of slum communities, and expansion of basic social infrastructure.
She stressed that while public anticipation has been high since the announcement of the project, housing construction is a structured process that requires time, planning, and technical assessments before physical development can begin.
Geegbae explained that significant progress has already been made in identifying and securing land for the project, with local authorities in the beneficiary counties working closely with the central government to facilitate the process.
“We have moved beyond the conceptual stage and are now firmly within the preparatory phase. Lands have been identified and secured in collaboration with county authorities, and we are ensuring that every step taken meets the required technical and legal standards before construction begins,” she said.
She disclosed that teams from the NHA have conducted site visits and technical surveys in several counties, focusing on topographical and geotechnical studies necessary for proper planning and construction.
“These assessments are essential because they determine how the structures will be designed and built. We must understand the terrain, soil composition, and environmental conditions to ensure that the houses are durable, safe, and sustainable for the families who will occupy them,” Geegbae noted.
The NHA head also revealed that the Bill of Quantities for the entire project has been completed and submitted to the project partner, Larix Company Limited, as well as to the Ministry of State, which is providing oversight for the implementation process.
In addition, she said billboards and public awareness materials have been prepared, with an initial prototype already completed for Grand Bassa County, signaling the government’s intent to maintain transparency and visibility throughout the project.
Geegbae further outlined ongoing administrative processes, including internal approvals and financial evaluations. She stated that the NHA Board has already endorsed key decisions, while efforts are underway to engage the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee to review and validate the financial proposal associated with the project.
She added that a detailed two phase implementation plan has been developed and forwarded to the Ministry of State for submission to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning for further scrutiny and alignment with national budgetary priorities.
Procurement processes, she said, have also been initiated, with documentation prepared and awaiting final review by the appropriate authorities to ensure compliance with public sector standards.
Reflecting on the broader transformation of the NHA, Geegbae acknowledged that the institution faced serious operational challenges prior to her administration. However, she said steady progress has been made to rebuild its capacity and restore functionality.
“We inherited an institution that lacked basic operational systems, but we have taken deliberate steps to reposition it. Today, we are improving administrative structures, strengthening communication, and building the institutional foundation required to deliver on our mandate,” she stated.
Among the improvements, she highlighted the establishment of a functional website and the introduction of internet services, which she described as critical tools for transparency, efficiency, and public engagement.
Geegbae also disclosed that the Authority has embarked on efforts to recover government properties that had been abandoned in various parts of the country, noting that such assets must be protected and utilized effectively.
She said assessment visits have already been conducted in Nimba and Lofa counties, with additional inspections planned for Grand Gedeh and Grand Kru, where previous housing projects will be evaluated for possible rehabilitation or completion.
The NHA Managing Director emphasized that the government remains fully committed to delivering the 600 housing units, urging the public to exercise patience as the necessary groundwork continues.
She assured that once the preparatory and approval stages are completed, construction will proceed in a coordinated and efficient manner, ultimately providing thousands of Liberians with access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing.
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