MONTSERRADO DISTRICT #13 DEVELOPMENT IN LIMBO: Representative Edward Flomo Alleges LACE Executive Director Julius Sele Withholding US$150,000 in Annual Allotments, Highlights Personal Donation of Paint and L$100,000 to New Georgia Estates Market

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MONTSERRADO DISTRICT #13 DEVELOPMENT IN LIMBO: Representative Edward Flomo Alleges LACE Executive Director Julius Sele Withholding US$150,000 in Annual Allotments, Highlights Personal Donation of Paint and L$100,000 to New Georgia Estates Market

BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.

NEW GEORGIA ESTATES, Montserrado County — Development activities in Montserrado County Electoral District #13 have been thrown into uncertainty as the district’s Representative, Hon. Edward P. Flomo, has accused the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) of withholding over US$150,000 intended for district projects.

Representative Flomo made the allegation on Saturday, during a community empowerment event at the New Georgia Estates Market, where he donated four buckets of paint and One Hundred Thousand Liberian Dollars (L$100,000) to market women to support the renovation of the market facility and improve their businesses.

According to the District #13 lawmaker, each electoral district is entitled to an annual allotment of US$50,000 for community development under the government’s District Development Fund program.

He stated that for District #13, the cumulative amount for 2024, 2025, and 2026 stands at US$150,000, which he claims has not been disbursed.

Flomo told journalists and market residents that his office has complied with all necessary procedures, including the submission of required documentation, project proposals, and financial compliance reports, yet LACE has failed to release the funds.

He described the prolonged delay as a deliberate attempt to obstruct development in the district, noting that several planned initiatives, including educational support programs, youth empowerment schemes, and minor community infrastructure projects, have been stalled as a result.

Representative Flomo disclosed that in order to sustain development activities and meet the expectations of his constituents, he has been compelled to use resources from his personal salary and legislative benefits to fund projects in the district.

He clarified that the four buckets of paint and the L$100,000 cash donation presented to the market women at New Georgia Estates were drawn from his own earnings and not from any government funding.

“Today I am giving you paint to improve the look of this market and L$100,000 to support your businesses from my own pocket, because your development money is being held somewhere.

I will continue to sacrifice for my people, but the government must ensure that what is due to District #13 is released,” Flomo said.

The lawmaker also used the occasion to respond to critics who accuse him of relying solely on government funds to execute projects, arguing that without the expected district allotments, sustaining community interventions has become increasingly difficult.

The donation was met with appreciation from market leaders and traders.

The Supretendent of the New Georgia Estates Market, Madam Sorna W. Tamba, said the materials would help improve the market’s appearance and provide much-needed support to struggling traders.

The market, which hosts over 300 vendors, has faced challenges due to its deteriorating structure and limited financial capacity of its members.

Madam Tamba called on relevant government institutions to ensure that development funds allocated to the district are released to address the growing needs of the community.

Representative Flomo, meanwhile, reaffirmed his commitment to continue advocating for the development of District #13 and called for greater collaboration among residents, local authorities, and government agencies to drive progress in the district.

He praised residents of New Georgia Estates for their cooperation and urged them to remain engaged in community-driven development efforts.