The new members of the REALISE Project Steering Committee, ( Recovery of Economic Activity for Liberian Informal Sector Employment), are eager to accelerate project activities nationwide following a delay caused by the recent political transition.
Convening for the first time under the new administration on April 5, 2024, the Committee gathered to assess progress and offer increased support to the Project Management Team (PMT) as necessary.
Chaired by Youth and Sports Minister, Cllr. J. Cole Bangalu, the meeting included the presence of Gender, Children, and Social Protection Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie, alongside the Executive Director of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), along with other committee members and representatives.
The Committee commenced proceedings by inviting Project Coordinator Jesse Bengu to provide updates on implementation activities. Mr. Bengu reported that in phase one of the project’s first component, 1,280 beneficiaries were recruited and supported across 15 communities. “Additionally, 1,550 beneficiaries were recruited for phase two, currently ongoing in 20 communities, with 225 individuals recruited in Margibi from three communities”. In component two, 5,800 individuals, including 3,114 females and 2,686 males, out of the targeted 17,000 beneficiaries, have been provided short-term employment in 58 out of 170 communities.
Furthermore, Component 5 has recruited 5,376 beneficiary farming group members, comprising 2,721 males and 2,655 females, from 192 communities across eight counties. Meanwhile, registration and enrollment have commenced for Component 6 in Grand Bassa County, aiming to assist over seven thousand beneficiaries with unconditional cash transfers.
At the conclusion of the Steering meeting, it was agreed to submit the current project budget and work plan to the PSC for review. Additionally, arrangements were made for a midterm review to align the project with the government’s ARREST agenda and other initiatives.
Following the meeting, Committee Chairperson Cllr. Bangalu expressed satisfaction with the progress but emphasized the need for swift action to aid vulnerable individuals. “I am impressed by the dedication of our project team,” Minister Bangalu stated, “but we must expedite assistance to those in dire need, particularly from their government.”
The REALISE project aims to assist 53,650 vulnerable households and informal workers across urban areas in Montserrado and Margibi counties, as well as rural areas in other counties. The project comprises six components, including support for small businesses, temporary employment, capacity building, emergency reallocation of funds, community livelihood and agriculture support, and social cash transfers.
Funded by a World Bank loan and grant totaling $30 million, with additional grants of $9.5 million from the French government and $2.5 million from the Swedish government, the project benefits from oversight and technical support from the Bank as per the financing agreement.
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