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Liberia: The City Of Monrovia, How Mohammed Kromah Sees It
Jul 29, 2006
by Public Agenda / Feature Article
 Mohammed Kromah is a Liberian citizen and strategist presently residing the United States. The Public Agenda conducted an interview with him through electronic mail. Below are the excerpts:
“I think, first of all, the Mayor of Monrovia is a position of immense challenges and ample opportunities. The next mayor of our capital city is expected to have bold vision and proven leadership; be creative, innovative and practical; intelligent, people-connected and business-minded; possess great planning and negotiating skills; know how and where to mobilize development resources, and how best to utilize scare resources for the greater benefit of residents; and last but not the least, have a knack for working well with individuals, groups, institutions and other government entities, among others. The humph, that which I cannot define, describe nor explain is that when you see a mayoral leadership, you can recognize it in various ways-depth of knowledge and skills, level of experience, and commitment to public service for the public good. Take note that I have responded to your question in a way that does not restrict the Mayoralty to the definition or description of a City Mayor in terms of duties and functions, or roles and responsibilities. That is defined by the law of our land, which created the Monrovia City Corporation. Now, to answer the last portion of your question, let me say it loud and clear that I do intend to contest the upcoming mayoral elections. I fervently believe that with a broad-based support from all segments of our City, I will be elected, and become a very good mayor by serving honorably and improving the quality of life of our residents in our capital city and parts beyond.
“Yes, but I could not because the current Mayor, Mrs. Ophelia Hoff-Saytumah, a friend of mine was the only known candidate. Assuming that she had remained the only contestant, I would share her joy from her re-election victory. Now, the reality has changed, and the playing field is accommodating not one, but more than three contestants in the race. Given the changed landscape, it is anybody’s guess to determine who the majority of residents in Monrovia will ultimately seat at the helm of our city government. I have implicit trust and confidence in our people to make the right judgment come the mayoral elections.
“As you are aware, I took a position as the Managing Director of the Industrial Free Zone Authority of Liberia during the Gyude Bryant-led Transitional Administration. I was never allowed to set up my office operations or function on the Free Zone premises. In spite of the many set-backs, I worked hard (mostly at my own expense) to make the Zone a household name in Liberia and around the world, including exposure of the Zone’s plans and needs for rehabilitation to other industrial parks of the world at the World Free Zone Conference. The Zone was conceptualized and still holds the potential to become an engine of economic growth and development in our country. Now that President Johnson-Sirleaf has decided to merge the Free Zone Authority with the National Investment Commission (NIC), I am now left with plenty of time to help the Administration, my country, and people in other areas. I have a vision that my leadership is not only appropriate, but it is needed to put our City on the right, and fast track to become a much safer and healthier place to live, work, do business and enjoy life.
“It is needless to say how deplorable our beloved city is right now. A city once called ‘ROCK TOWN’ is now considered ‘TRASH TOWN. Our city needs be cleaned of trash and debris; physical structures need to be reconstructed, renovated, or built; health and educational facilities need face-lift; and favorable climate must be created to retain and attract business investments, which will in turn increase employment opportunities. It is glaring that we need dependable and reliable electric power, safe drinking water, good sewer system, roads and other pathways for the free movement of people, goods and services. I have faith in the rebirth and renaissance of Monrovia, but a new leadership focus and attitude is required so that the people can breathe a sigh of relief, and work harder to make a better life for their children, families and themselves.
“It is good leadership to identify and talk about problems. But, a leader should also look within and without and find legitimate ways and means to solve problems. A leader should not be in the business of telling people to break a habit without giving an alternative. We will provide alternatives so that we can improve our health and environment- stop the trashing of our streets and the urination and defecation of our outdoors. We will create, encourage and empower our community organizations to clean and protect their own communities. We will initiate and sponsor environmental awareness programs in every community. We will nurture policies and regulations to support the effectiveness of these ideas.
“There is a famous expression that says, “When God gives you lemon, make lemonade”. You don’t just go and sit in the corner and start sucking on your fingers and complaining that you have lemon. Try to find some sugar and add to it. We know that our city is filthy. We have trash all over Monrovia. Among other things, I will immediately find and negotiate for a landfill outside the City to dump garbage and create land for agricultural use, and I will also seek foreign investment and central government help to develop an environmentally friendly incinerator which will produce power for low-income and poor households. The Monrovia City Corporation solely depends on the services and delivery capabilities of national ministries and agencies headquartered in Monrovia. As mayor, I will reduce this high level dependency on central government, and create lean and efficient units within city government, such as for fire, health, sanitation, engineering and other public services. Why has city government not come of age to develop its own internal functioning structures, develop partnerships with local businesses and institutions, and collaborate with communities to develop project activities? No mayor of substance will rest the welfare of city residents in the hands of the central Government.
“The gravity of the drainage problem in Monrovian is something that no one can realistically down grade. I hesitate to go into technical details, but I can assure you that once the campaign gets going, I will issue a plan of action to solve the drainage problem. Trust me that I am not only fix on ideas , but also looking at capable professional and technicians that I intend to bring on board to help me solve the many problems that have been neglected.
“From a management stand point and my own experience as an administrator, decisions that are made in the absence of the recipients are mostly not accepted, and make implementation difficult, if not impossible. In other words, once you are foreign to a decision that was made on your behalf, you will most likely find loopholes or scapegoats. From my administrative orientation, groomed in a participatory system, I believe that I will have to revisit the city zoning laws along with all concerned: market women, street peddlers, business people, and community stakeholders. Out of this consultative process, a strategic policy document will be prepared and signed by all major participants, who will all take ownership of the finished product. You want active citizen participation-you will get it during my tenure as Mayor.
“No city and for that matter, and no nation can sustain economic viability without some methods of taxation. Yes, taxes will be levied. However, I intend to run the city like or as a nonprofit business, but an accountable and transparent operation for the public good. The city is a corporation and I intend to run it as such. I will reestablish the city industrial park again. I will bring investors from all around the globe to invest and employ the residents of Monrovia, among other social and economic development initiatives.
“In this era we live, globalization, we have no choice in the matter. We must think globally and if need be act locally. Sisterly relationships with cities in developed countries, such as the United States are still reasonable and necessary. I speak to you from personal experience. I was once a member of the Sister City Committee of Gbarnga and Baltimore, Maryland. I know that it works. However, what I will not do is to establish a relation with another city with high expectations of getting free things and don’t give anything in return. Any relationship, including the ones we already have, we will exchange goods and services. In addition, we will go beyond US cities; will go to European and Asian cities. The efforts will transcend mere cultural exchange; rather focus on bilateral agreements in business partnerships and technology transfer.
“As you can see, there is no pronouncement or timetable set yet for the election. As soon as we hear from the National Elections Commission we will be in full swing, God willing. I consider myself as a tested and proven administrator with vast experience in urban issues. I will join the race to win because my city and fellow residents need good and rewarding leadership. I have that leadership-it is one based on practical innovation, bold vision, and proven result-oriented skills. The citizens of Monrovia will make a difference-I present myself as their first and best choice!”
About the Author:
This article has been republished from the website of The Public Agenda Newspaper. The Public Agenda is part of a network of sites, which are culled for news by TheLiberianTimes.com Wire Service.
Public Agenda may be contacted at www.publicagenda.info/ .
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