Monrovia – Montserrado County District 8 Consultant Prince Toles has known as on the Home of Representatives to research the circumstances surrounding the lease of the US$7 million PHP Park—often known as Unification Park or Unification Sq.—in central Monrovia.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway, [email protected]
The lawmaker, whose district encompasses the park, raised issues concerning the transparency and legality of the settlement underneath which the park has reportedly been leased to a non-public entity, Inexperienced Park Administration Service. He described the deal as questionable and probably unfavorable to the general public.
PHP Park, constructed through the administration of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) authorities, was funded by a US$2 million budgetary allocation from the Authorities of Liberia and a US$5 million grant from the United Arab Emirates.
The park, inaugurated in December 2023, was envisioned as a hub for cultural occasions, native commerce, and neighborhood gatherings—symbolizing nationwide unity and concrete revitalization.
In a communication to the Home throughout plenary, Rep. Toles expressed concern that regardless of the numerous public funding within the park, the lease association was performed underneath unclear phrases and with out public session.
“I’m alarmed by what seems to be a shady lease deal involving a significant public facility that sits within the coronary heart of our constituency,” Rep. Toles acknowledged. “There are rising issues about whether or not the individuals for whom this park was constructed are receiving equitable advantages.”
He requested that plenary summon officers from all establishments linked to the lease course of, together with Inexperienced Park Administration Service, the Monrovia Metropolis Company (MCC), the Ministry of Public Works, and the Ministry of State.
In line with the consultant, these appearances are essential to make clear who licensed the lease, the roles of the private and non-private entities concerned, the phrases and period of the settlement, and the anticipated advantages to the encircling communities.
Toles additionally emphasised the necessity to decide whether or not the lease settlement consists of provisions for neighborhood employment, native financial growth, or any type of revenue-sharing with the federal government or native residents.
Moreover, he demanded transparency on monetary accountability—particularly, the identification of the general public establishment receiving lease funds and whether or not these funds are being deposited into nationwide income or allotted to public welfare tasks.
“This park belongs to the individuals. Any choice affecting its administration have to be made with full transparency and within the public’s curiosity,” Rep. Toles added.
Regardless of his name for instant inquiry by a public listening to, the plenary voted to ahead the communication to the Home Committees on Contracts, Monopolies, and Public Accounts. The committees have been tasked to overview the matter and report their findings inside two weeks.
About The Writer
