MONROVIA – NAYMOTE-Liberia has released findings from an institutional and operational capacity assessment of service centers in five counties, revealing significant inefficiencies and unmet expectations. The assessment, which covered Margibi, Bong, Lofa, Nimba, and Grand Bassa counties, highlighted that these centers are performing far below their potential, offering few services, and suffering from long processing times due to approvals required from Monrovia.
Key issues identified in the report include extra costs imposed on citizens, inefficient service delivery, a lack of capacity development plans, and no operational plans. Despite evidence showing that revenue is generated, the service centers (CSCs) have no authority over its use.
Despite these challenges, a majority of respondents (86%) reported having contact with the service centers in the past year. However, nearly half (48%) indicated that accessing the CSCs is difficult. Positively, 65.12% of respondents stated that they have not given bribes or gifts to obtain services.
The report also revealed strong public support for financial reforms, with an overwhelming majority (73%) in favor of allowing a portion of revenues generated at the CSCs to remain at the centers to cover operational costs.
For those interested in the full 30-page report, NAYMOTE-Liberia can be contacted via email at info@naymote.com.
These findings underscore the need for substantial improvements in the operational and service delivery capacity of the CSCs to meet citizens’ expectations and enhance efficiency across the counties.