Africa-Press – Liberia. Kakata City Corporation (KCC), through its Mayor Gbarngawoe Eddie Seyboe, has lauded the central government for allocating US$60,000 in this year’s budget. Seyboe, who also serves as Chaplain General of the Council of Mayors, said the achievement followed sustained advocacy by mayors across the country, who engaged lawmakers on the challenges confronting cities.
He recalled meetings with key legislators, including Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, noting that the engagement marked the council’s first major interaction with many lawmakers responsible for decisions affecting municipalities. According to him, KCC previously received allocations of US$12,000 and US$20,000, but consistent dialogue has led to this significant increase.
The mayor explained that the added funding comes at a critical time, with waste management remaining the city’s biggest concern. He disclosed that more than 60 percent of the city’s revenue has traditionally been spent on sanitation and salaries, leaving little room for development projects. To improve services, the city plans to purchase a US$30,000 garbage truck, along with a pickup and a tricycle to extend operations into surrounding communities.
Seyboe also outlined other priorities, including the construction of a mayor’s office in Margibi County and the installation of solar-powered streetlights along major routes such as Morris’ Farm to Gborfehla to enhance nighttime economic activities. Plans are also underway to install traffic lights at key intersections, including Bong Mine Road and near the police station, to ease congestion.
To complement government support, the city council has approved a revenue-generation initiative in the form of a toll system, set to launch on May 1, 2026. Under the plan, trucks will pay L$200, buses and jeeps L$100, and taxis L$50. Collection points will be established at strategic locations, with enforcement carried out by trained personnel under police supervision.
The mayor emphasized that transparency measures will include a ticketing system, oversight by the city council, stakeholder engagement with transport unions, and public awareness through radio campaigns. He urged residents to cooperate, assuring them that funds will be used responsibly for visible development.
Seyboe linked the initiative to Kakata Day celebrations on May 26, which will feature a detailed financial report, recognition of supportive individuals and communities, and other activities. Assessing progress on the city’s five-year plan, he rated performance at four out of ten, citing slow community participation despite ongoing cleanup campaigns.
He stressed the need for stronger local involvement, adding that self-driven efforts would position the city to attract international support.
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