A proposal to relocate Liberia’s capital city from Monrovia has emerged in response to severe flooding, sparking mixed reactions among the nation’s citizens and lawmakers.
The idea comes after torrential rains between late June and early July left nearly 50,000 people in urgent need, according to the national disaster management agency.
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Monrovia, situated on the Atlantic coast, faces recurring flooding issues exacerbated by overpopulation, inadequate sewage systems, and poor building regulations.
In early July, a Senate joint committee suggested establishing a new city to replace Monrovia.
Chris Kpewudu, a young motorbike driver in Monrovia, supports the idea: “Our current capital city is a mess.
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There is garbage all over the city, and when it rains, there is flooding everywhere. A new city could be well laid out and even surpass Abuja,” referencing Nigeria’s planned capital.
Other African countries, like Tanzania with Dodoma and Ivory Coast with Yamoussoukro, have also moved their capitals to more central locations.
Monrovia, home to 1.5 million people, serves as Liberia’s economic, political, and cultural hub.
Its infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the growing population, despite the Freeport of Monrovia being a critical gateway for exports like iron ore, rubber, and timber.
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The Ministry of Public Works is carefully reviewing the proposal.
Communications director, T. T. Benjamin Myers noted that building a new city would be capital-intensive, considering Liberia’s national budget is around $600 million.
“Technical, financial, and economic factors must be seriously considered,” he said.
The idea of relocating the capital isn’t new. In 2012, then-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf proposed moving Monrovia to a new city called Zekepa.
However, that plan never materialized, and some, like Marayah Fyneah of the Liberian Women’s Legislative Caucus, remain skeptical about the feasibility of such a move.
Critics argue the government should focus on improving infrastructure and addressing poverty in Monrovia before considering relocation.
Journalist Princess Elexa VanjahKollie commented, “Our lawmakers are overlooking current issues. Even Monrovia is poorly managed in terms of sanitation.”
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Experts caution that establishing a new capital requires extensive urban planning.
Christopher Wallace, an economics lecturer at the University of Liberia, emphasized, “to establish a new city is not a quick fix. Economic activities, zoning, and a clear layout are essential for creating a viable new capital.”
