By Fiona Benson Kollie
The constant land disputes in the country has claimed the attention of lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
As such, the House of Representatives, has summoned the Minister of Internal Affairs (Local Government), Francis Nyumalin, and the Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority (LAA), Samuel F. Kpakio.
The pair are to appear before Plenary on Thursday, February 26, to clarify on escalating land and boundary disputes.
The decision, taken on Tuesday, February 17, during the House’s 11th Day sitting of the First Quarter of the Third session, was triggered by a communication from Sinoe County Electoral District #3 Representative, Alex S. Noah.
It was jointly supported by Grand Gedeh County Electoral District #2 Representative Marie Johnson.
In their communication to Plenary, the lawmakers drew attention to the growing land and boundary disputes between Sinoe and Grand Gedeh counties.
They noted that tensions have been mounting for several months between residents of the two counties, particularly those residing in Pyne Town in Sinoe County and Gorbowrogba in Grand Gedeh County, over an unresolved county boundary.
The lawmakers said, land-related issues must not be taken lightly, as they have the potential to ignite chaos, violence, and prolonged instability if not addressed promptly and decisively.
The Noah’s communication requested Plenary to invite the Minister of Internal Affairs (Local Government) to provide insight into developments surrounding the dispute; Liberia Land Authority to clearly explain the legal and geographical boundary between the two counties.
the invited officials are also expected make presentation of a detailed geographical map indicating the boundary line, and establish an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the matter and report its findings to Plenary within a specified timeframe.
Members of the House agreed that the persistence of land and boundary disputes poses a serious threat to peace, social cohesion, and public order, and therefore, requires urgent legislative attention.
Plenary resolved to summon the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Liberia Land Authority Commissioner to provide comprehensive explanations and support efforts aimed at resolving the dispute and preventing further escalation.