By Jamesetta D. Williams
Speaking during a Ministry of Information press briefing, Madam Geebae said Liberia currently requires approximately 200,000 new housing units to ensure that more citizens have access to decent and affordable homes.
Speaking during a Ministry of Information press briefing, Madam Geebae said Liberia currently requires approximately 200,000 new housing units to ensure that more citizens have access to decent and affordable homes.
She explained that population growth, damaged structures, and poor living conditions in many communities continue to increase the demand for housing across the country.
According to the NHA Managing Director, Liberia needs about 4,891 housing units annually to replace homes that have been destroyed or become uninhabitable.
She further revealed that about 70 percent of Liberia’s population lives in slum conditions, describing the situation as a major challenge requiring urgent national attention.
“By 2030, we need to have built 512,000 housing units based on studies conducted by UN-Habitat and the World Bank,” Geebae said.
Madam Geebae said when she assumed leadership of the National Housing Authority in 2024, she inherited an institution facing serious challenges, including poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and low staff salaries
She noted that through internal reforms and teamwork, the institution has gradually improved the welfare of employees by increasing salaries and improving working conditions.
She disclosed that the minimum wage at NHA has increased from about US$130 to the equivalent of 175,000 Liberian dollars, while some professional staff members have seen salary adjustments based on the
The NHA boss said the institution previously struggled with limited government support, revealing that its first budgetary allocation under her leadership was only US$24,000, which she said was insufficient to purchase land, develop housing projects, or establish a proper land bank.
Despite financial challenges, Madam Geebae announced that the NHA has negotiated with partners to develop affordable housing projects in several counties.
She said the authority has acquired land in six counties for the construction of housing units under a special presidential housing project.
According to her, each location will include 100 housing units, which will provide homes for thousands of Liberians.
She explained that the NHA has already completed important preparatory work, including environmental assessments, land acquisition processes, site planning, designs, and bills of quantities, with approval processes ongoing through the Ministry of Public Works.
The project, she said, is expected to benefit about 2,640 Liberians, based on an average household size of 4.4 persons per home.
The NHA Managing Director also disclosed that the authority has prepared a proposal for the construction of 600 housing units valued at approximately US$16.8 million, which was submitted to relevant government authorities.
She added that additional partnerships are being developed to construct more homes, including contracts currently before the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) for the construction of 480 housing units.
Madam Geebae announced that the NHA is working with international partners, including the Shelter Afrique Development Bank, to secure financing for housing development in Liberia.
She disclosed that the NHA is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shelter Afrique, with the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) expected to host the funding mechanism for housing projects.
She described the partnership as a major step toward addressing Liberia’s housing shortage.
The NHA boss also revealed that the institution is working on establishing a housing trust fund and strengthening the legal framework governing the authority.
She said the current NHA Act is outdated and requires reform to give the institution stronger regulatory powers and allow the establishment of a National Housing Trust Fund.
According to her, the trust fund will help provide financing for mortgages and housing subsidies for Liberians.
Despite progress, Madam Geebae identified funding, land acquisition, and limited operational capacity as major challenges affecting the NHA’s ability to meet Liberia’s housing needs.
She said the authority lacks sufficient resources to purchase land and provide basic infrastructure required for housing projects.
She also appealed to ministries, agencies, and commissions of government to enroll their employees in the NHA’s housing program, noting that reliable information on potential homeowners is necessary for partners to invest.
She explained that development partners require a database of potential buyers before committing funds to housing projects.
“Government alone does not have the capacity to build all the homes Liberia needs. We need partnerships,” she said.
Addressing concerns about slum communities, Madam Geebae said the NHA is adopting a gradual approach to improving informal settlements.
She explained that the authority will either develop communities where residents currently live or relocate them only after proper assessments and alternative housing arrangements are provided.
She cautioned against forceful eviction without solutions, saying relocation must consider residents’ livelihoods and social conditions.
Madam Geebae also announced that the NHA has launched its official website as part of efforts to improve public access, visibility, and transparency.
She said the website will allow citizens, investors, and partners to learn more about the authority’s programs and housing opportunities.
The NHA Managing Director reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to reducing Liberia’s housing deficit, improving living conditions, and creating opportunities for more citizens to own affordable homes.
However, she emphasized that achieving Liberia’s housing goals will require strong partnerships, increased funding, land availability, and cooperation among government institutions and development partners.
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