The colorful event which was held in Zorzor City brought together high-level representatives from the LLA, LMA, USAID-Liberia, Local County Authority, Traditional Leaders, Women and Youth groups, Students, and hundreds of community dwellers.
Speaking during the introduction of guest, Madam Kolu Beyan, CLDMC Chairperson, Fesibu Community, Lofa County, expressed thanks and appreciation firstly to the residents of Fesibu and the CLDMC members for their unwavering support, commitment and for exhibiting a perfect team spirit throughout the formalization process. She further stated that such great milestone achievement couldn’t have been successful today with out the support from the LLA, Local Authority, LMA project team, and USAID-Liberia.
“I want to use this time to say a big thank you to the LMA people, the LLA and our traditional leaders, youth and women groups and community dwellers for making today a success. The joy and happiness on the faces of the people, including school going children demonstrates how important this day is to the people of Fesibu land.” She added.
Madam Beyan further called on the Local Authority, CLDMC leadership and the people of Fesibu community to adequately manage the land in the best interest of all. She pledged the full commitment of the leadership of the CLDMC and said that they will work in the interest of all. Madam Beyan who could not hold back her excitement showered praises to the government of Liberia for signing the Land Rights Act into law. She added that the passage of the law is a testament of Liberia’s land reform and women’s rights to land use and ownership in Liberia.
In his remarks, LMA Chief of Party, Mr. Mark Pommerville, applauded the people of Fesibu community, local and traditional leaders, women, and youth groups for their commitment during the implementation of the project in the community. Mr. Pommerville used the occasion to further extend thanks and appreciation to the LLA for its commitment to ensuring that communities across Liberia land can be documented and deeded. Mr. Pommerville thanked USAID-Liberia for its financial support, and further called on the people of Fesibu to celebrate such a great achievement by making sure the land is protected and the interest of all are adhered to.
Speaking on behalf of USAID-Liberia, Madam Suzanne Truchard, Director, Office of Democracy, Rights and Governance, USAID, reaffirmed USAID support through its implementing partner-LMA, thus calling on customary communities to embrace and take ownership of every opportunity in formalizing their customary land. She said the issuance of deeds to communities to key to social economic growth and community development.
Meanwhile, LLA Chairman, Atty. J. Adams Manobah, Sr., in his official remarks on behalf of the Board of Commissioner and staff of the LLA, extended thanks to the management of LMA and USAID-Liberia for buttressing greatly the effort of the Government of Liberia in ensuring that customary communities across the fifteen political subdivision of Liberia lands are documented and deeded. Chairman Manobah who attended the program along with the LLA Commissioner of Oversight, Lofa County, further called on the local authority and CLDMC members to work in the best interest of the people. The LLA boss extended thanks to the people of Fesibu, including the leadership of the Community Land Development and Management Committee (CLDMC) for remaining steadfast during the implementation and completion of the steps and processes required for Customary Land Formalization as enshrined in the Land Rights Act of 2018.
“Recently the LLA issued other communities deeds, thus, your community is now part of those who have their land deeds. Your interest comes first. This is why we all must see this today as a great reward to the people for their commitment to the peace and security of the country. Land is traditional, and hence, it is with great respect we attached high-level commendation to our elders and chiefs who over the years continue to work with the LLA in resolving land disputes and conflicts. Like I have said, we must always consider the Land Rights Law and communities interest when signing concessions.” He added.
Presenting the Statutory Land Deed (SLD) to the people of Fesibu, Chairman Manobah further expressed that his administration at the LLA will be greatly successful if at least Five Hundred (500) plus communities across Liberia land deeds are documented and deeded. The LLA Chairman called on partners to continuous support to ensure growth and development which in return will minimize land disputes and conflicts thus fostering peace and harmony across the nation.
Written By: Jonah Wreh Segbe, Jr. - Communication & Outreach Assistant, LLA
