Liberian Finance Minister defends government spending and revenue use

Liberian Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has responded to critics questioning the management of the nation’s billion-dollar revenue. Speaking at the commissioning of a World Bank-funded water main at the White Plains Water Treatment Plant, Ngafuan stated that even a US$5 billion budget would be insufficient to address all of the country’s challenges.

Ngafuan defended the Boakai administration’s focus on completing inherited projects rather than launching new ones. He argued that demanding new initiatives at the expense of existing ones would lead to the abandonment of essential works. He cited the progress of the southeastern highway, which currently reaches Tapita, as an example of prioritizing completed infrastructure.

Additionally, the Minister noted that visible progress is heavily dependent on the government’s ability to service its debts to lenders. He urged critics to consider the significant portion of the budget dedicated to debt servicing when evaluating the administration's performance.