Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence has praised House Speaker Richard N. Koon and members of the House of Representatives for passing the Port Authority and Port Autonomy Bills, declaring that Grand Bassa County is poised to gain “port city” status once the legislation is signed into law.
Addressing citizens Friday at the Government Town Hall Legislative Forum in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Pro-Temp Karnga Lawrence said the bills represent a critical step toward decentralization and economic transformation for the coastal county.
“If signed by the President and operations start, we will see why decentralization is about,” she told the gathering. “Grand Bassa will surely be a port city.” The Pro-Tempore also announced that a special economic zone is set to be contracted to a new company, a move she said would transform the county’s economic landscape and add value to agriculture products.
The zone is expected to add value to Grand Bassa’s development programs and create employment opportunities for residents. “This will bring about transformation, which will add value to the County’s economic programs, and jobs for the citizenry,” Karnga Lawrence stated.
On energy, she disclosed plans to expand the Liberia Electricity Corporation grid across the county. The rollout will gradually extend power to schools, hospitals, businesses, public buildings, and private homes, she said.
The expansion is part of broader efforts to improve service delivery and support business growth in Grand Bassa, according to the Senate leader. Pro-Temp Karnga Lawrence closed her address with a call for unity and sustained citizen engagement. She urged residents to “keep pushing and collectively work together for the greater good of Grand Bassa County.”
The Government Town Hall Legislative Forum is a national decentralization program designed to bridge the gap between lawmakers and constituents. Held periodically in county capitals, the forum allows senior government officials to present updates on legislation, national policy, and development projects directly to citizens.
It also serves as a feedback platform where residents raise concerns, ask questions, and propose priorities for legislative action. Friday’s session in Buchanan brought together local leaders, civil society, youth groups, and ordinary citizens to discuss issues ranging from port operations to electricity and job creation. The initiative is part of the Liberian Government’s commitment to participatory governance and county-level development.
