In the wake huge expectations by Liberians about the distribution of food as contained in President George Weah state of Emergency Stimulus Packages, Liberia Finance and Development planning Minister Samuel Tweah has clarified that the food package will not benefit the entire population of the country.
Making the clarification to local media on Wednesday May 6, 2020 in Monrovia, Minister Tweah added that the food distribution as part of the president Weah’s state of Emergency stimulus packages to the national legislature will only benefit residents of the country who cannot afford to buy food.
Since the pronouncement by president Weah that government will embark on food distribution to residents of Liberia, many Liberians have since become curious about when said distribution will be done.
Prior to the finance minister clarity, some group of people believed to be part of the food distribution committee has been taking the names of household members in various communities in Montserrado County.
Contrary to this clarification by Mr. Tweah, many Liberians have thought that every household in the country will benefit from the food distribution package which is expected to be done in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme, (WFP).
Over US$25million dollars was allocated for food distribution in President Weah State of emergency stimulus package to the legislature in April this year.
According to Minister Samuel Tweah only 2million households out of Liberia’s 4.8 million people is expected to benefit from the food distribution.
He disclosed that the process is being headed by Prof. Wilson K. Tarpeh, Minister of Commerce and Industry in conjunction with WFP.
Electricity and Water Support during Stay-at-Home
In his package the president also said the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has received a check of US$4 million dollars, representing a significant settlement of Government arrears to the entity.
“The LEC has submitted a COVID-19 electricity program that will be funded by this money”, he adds.
In addition to food distribution, President Weah also proposed to the Honorable Legislature that Government will takes up the electricity bill of households in the affected counties for the duration of the STAY-AT-HOME order as well as similar support for the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation during the same period.
