One of the most critical challenges facing countries emerging from conflict is the need for not only livable housing, but safe and affordable housing.  From the looks of things in Liberia, I am yet to be convinced that the reconstruction or construction of safe, decent and affordable housing is a national priority. 

In 1970 the government of Liberia established the National Housing Authority, with the purpose of establishing affordable housing for low and "middle income" Liberians.  Since its establishment, NHA has built five major housing estates, mostly during the late 70s and the early 80s.  The Cabral estate had 72 units, Stephen A. Tolbert estate had 414 units, Goodridge estate had 576 units, the New Georgia estate had 226 units, and the Matadi estates (for middle and upper income Liberians) had 191 units[1].

According to the authors of "A critical perspective on Housing", the Liberian government financed most of these housing projects at a total cost of $15.8 million, with an additional $14.6 million borrowed from Citi.  These estates were managed and maintained by the NHA.  A rental system was created to generate revenues from the properties that would then be used to build and maintain additional rental units. However the construction of new estates did not materialized.

The stated goal of any current and future housing policy should be "a decent home in a suitable living environment for every Liberian family, if possible.   But as a nation, we have never come close to achieving this goal.  The lack of comprehensive national housing plan is detrimental to growth and development in Liberia. How can the Liberian people be expected to establish livelihoods without permanent homes?  There are still thousands of people living in abandoned government buildings and makeshift shacks in and around Monrovia, and in many rural places.  Squatters are being evicted by our government without a sound relocation plan, considering most of these squatters probably can't afford to buy a bag of rice. The war is "over", yet for millions of Liberians very little (other than gunshots and total chaos) has changed in their lives.

As one who works in the affordable housing sector, I know first hand that the contributions of the housing sector and the affordability of housing affect governments' fiscal conditions, economic growth, community development and vitality, and the lives of many individuals. Housing has substantial impacts on economic competitiveness, shapes the development of metropolitan areas, and affects the cost of infrastructure.

In addition, housing development has a multiplier effect in economic development, and has the potential to stimulate the construction industry and the building materials manufacturing sector thereby generating substantial employment opportunities.

The tremendous need for affordable housing in Liberia imposes an equally tremendous funding burden that aid from foreign partners and subsidies from the government alone is not sufficient to deal with the shortage of housing. With an estimated population of 3.1 million, an estimated population growth rate of 4.8%, an estimated unemployment rate of 85%, and an estimated 80% of the population living on $1 U.S. dollar a day, the need for a new Affordable housing plan is becoming even more critical to development in Liberia.

With a current budget of $250,000, and a prior year allocation of $210,000, budgeted amounts I believe fall short of what is needed to serve Liberians in need of assistance, the National housing authority can no longer rely on government subsides alone if it is to have an impact on growth and development in Liberia.

It is time for the National Housing Authority, in conjunction with private developers and other development partners to transform the landscape for affordable housing by mobilizing private sector resources to secure the future of Monrovia and Liberia, and make it more affordable for Liberians to live and pursue their dreams.

The National Housing Authority must establish a wider array of innovative tools, including creating mechanisms to leverage the role of private capital in affordable housing, and adapting property tax and zoning incentives for builders. If any new housing plan is to be effective, the NHA must consider several issues/challenges.

 The price tag for meeting our affordable housing needs is huge, yet the price tag for not meeting these needs is even greater — to our communities, our businesses, and our economy. In addition to making housing a priority issue, it is my hope that the government/NHA will take the lead in implementing a range of available housing-related strategies to improve communities – especially urban ones- in Liberia.