The House of Representatives’ Committee on Post and Telecommunications on Friday concluded the first phase of its public hearing into concerns rise by consumers over poor network connectivity in Maryland County and other parts of Liberia. The first phase of the hearing, which started on the 17 of February, came to the close on Friday, February 28, 2025, in Monrovia, and brought together key sectors, including the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, Orange Liberia GSM, and Lonestar MTN. Speaking during the close of the first phase of the hearing, the Committee Chairman, Ivar K. Jones, emphasized that the hearing was never intented to bring anyone to public ridicule but to ensure that the citizens’ concerns are met through the provisions of quality GSM services. He said there have been lots of complaints from the southeast counties especially Maryland, over the challenges people face due to inadequate network system, which he said is impeding the living conditions of the people. According to him, the issue of communication is key; as such, the Committee’s investigation on the citizens’ complaints will continue, stating that the Committee intends to delve deeper into the matter to ensure improved service delivery for citizens. The Margibi County District 2 Lawmaker also told the gathering that during the next phase of the inquiry, the Committee will embark on a tour of GSM service provider sites in the Southeast, beginning March 9, 2025. He maintained that the field assessment will further evaluate the challenges contributing to poor network coverage in affected areas, stressing that House Committee on Posts and Telecommunications remains committed to holding service providers accountable and ensuring better telecommunications services for all Liberians. In another legislative development, in fulfillment of Article 15c of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, Margibi County Electoral District #2 Representative Jones has delivered his First Annual Legislative Report to his constituents, highlighting several milestone achievements. The report covered the first year of his second term as Representative of Margibi Electoral District #2. Rep. Jones highlighted commitment to transparency and accountability, which he said has driven force to consistently report his legislative activities to the people over the past seven years, and reinforcing the district’s commitment to participatory governance and developmental progress.
Rep. Jones also emphasized that every responsible leadership will foster accountability, transparency, and integrity in all aspects of governance. He added that as part of his legislative initiatives, he also submitted ‘An Act to Repeal the 2012 Act Creating the Harbel College and to Establish in Lieu Thereof the Margibi University and Grant It a Charter’ on June 20, 2023. The House of Representatives of the 54th Legislature passed the Act on July 4, 2023, forwarding it to the Liberian Senate on March 5, 2024. Subsequently, the Liberian Senate of the 55th Legislature concurred on July 16, 2024. Finally, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. signed the Act into law on August 9, 2024. Rep. Jones also highlighted key development projects earmarked for implementation, including, construction of the Dolo Town MBI Footpath Bridge, completion of the R.S. Caulfield High School Auditorium, procurement of sanitation materials for Unification City. The total investment for these projects amounts to $100,000 USD, among other expenditures. During the presentation, Rep. Jones further disclosed that he awarded 165 scholarships to students from 55 schools, covering full tuition for 137 students at a cost of LRD 1,671,920 and USD 2,493. The Margibi County District 2 Lawmaker also outlined various projects completed under his leadership, including, rehabilitation of Unification Town Road, bridge rehabilitation on Fahrwehn Road, empowerment funds for local businesses within the district. “As I report today, for the period under review, January 15, 2024, to February 28, 2025, I have remitted to the District Development Council accounts the amount of USD 14,800 and LRD 2,900,000. Kindly refer to the attached financial report for the current account balances. Additionally, there was a reversal of LRD 741,000,” Rep. Jones stated. Following the report, citizens, through the Elder Council, expressed gratitude to Rep. Jones for his outstanding developmental initiatives. They further appealed to him to advocate for local county officials to be placed on payroll since their appointment.