The New Dawn Liberia | Truly Independent

Despite the establishment of the Reconciliation Commission by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s government, the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation (LWSC), Mr. Kimmie Weeks, has disclosed that the government of Liberia has terribly failed its people on the line of national reconciliation among the citizens.

Speaking to the New Dawn Friday at the head offices of the LWSC in Monrovia, Mr. Weeks said that it is unfortunate for the government that is enjoying successive second term in office to have made little effort in reconciling the people of Liberia.  He indicated that after the protracted 14 years of bitter civil conflict, the cardinal issue that every Liberian needs now is total reconciliation.

“One of the challenges I have noticed with this government is reuniting the people of this country. The government needs to double its effort in making sure that reconciliation be achieved to the fullest.  Bear in mind that our people fought for over 14 years, which is a clear indication that reconciliation should not be over looked’, Mr. Kimmie Weeks said in a strong tune.

According to him, the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf-led administration needs to double its effort in reuniting the country which has 16 different tribes with varieties of backgrounds because it is time for such action to be taken.

Mr. Weeks pointed out that another major factor that the government needs to consider is to prioritize youth empowerment or youth development. He stated that the youths of this country are the future leaders, stressing that the only channel to make young people more productive is to create empowerment and development.

Mr. Weeks, who is the Executive Director of the Youth Action International (YAI), used the time to inform this paper that his organization has received US$125,000. He said his organization’s partner, the American-based oil company Chevron, which donated the funds, indicated that the money is for young women’s empowerment.

He further explained that the amount has been shared within three counties, including Montserrado, Grand Bassa and Bong Counties, for the sole purpose of ensuring women’s empowerment and making women’s role in the building society more viable.

Mr. Weeks maintained that a sizable number of young women have been recruited for the program and he also expressed hope that those selected for the program’s implementation will take keen interest in the opportunity afforded them.

It may be recalled that about ten percent of the 2012/2013 National Budget is allocated for national reconciliation; however, it is not yet known whether that amount will actually go toward reconciliation and whether it will ensure reconciliation.