MONROVIA – Former President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Armah Zolu Jallah, has presented a detailed policy proposal calling for the devolution of water bodies management to local communities across Liberia. The proposal, released on April 28, 2025, outlines a framework aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, boosting local economies, and empowering grassroots governance structures.
In his research paper titled “Exploring the Devolution of Water Bodies Management to Local Communities in Liberia,” Mr. Jallah argues that communities most dependent on rivers, lakes, and wetlands are best equipped to manage and preserve these resources. According to him, Liberia’s centralized approach to water resource management has often failed to deliver efficiency, equity, or sustainability. He recommends a shift in policy that would allow communities to take a leading role under government oversight.
“Water resources in Liberia are vital to the country’s ecological health and the livelihoods of its citizens,” Jallah noted. “As Liberia continues to focus on sustainable economic development, it is imperative that the Government explores innovative governance models that promote local empowerment.”
The proposal emphasizes that while ownership of water bodies would remain with the state, management rights could be legally transferred to local communities through legislative reform. Communities, under this model, would establish local water boards or user associations, enforce usage rules, and ensure environmental compliance.
Jallah’s vision includes a revenue-sharing component that would channel proceeds from fisheries, tourism, hydropower, and water bottling into a Community Development Fund. These funds, he suggests, should be used for infrastructure projects such as schools, health centers, and clean water systems — all under community oversight.
He also underscored the need for environmental safeguards, including regular environmental impact assessments and water quality monitoring, to prevent exploitation or degradation of the resources. Vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, must be consulted in all community-level decisions, Jallah stated.
To ensure accountability, the government would maintain an oversight and monitoring role, auditing community activities and ensuring adherence to national environmental and management standards.
The proposal recommends a pilot program in select regions to test the model before nationwide implementation. It also calls on the Liberian Legislature to amend existing laws, and on the Executive to invest in training and capacity building for community leaders.
Jallah concluded his paper by urging the Government of Liberia to partner with NGOs, development partners, and the private sector in realizing this vision. He believes that devolving water management rights to local communities represents a unique opportunity to align national development goals with grassroots empowerment and ecological stewardship.
“Liberia can create a model that balances economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity,” Jallah affirmed.
