Liberian Senators Propose Relocating Monrovia

Following severe flooding that affected nearly 50,000 people, a group of senators in Liberia has proposed relocating the capital city, Monrovia, due to its vulnerability to natural disasters exacerbated by overpopulation and inadequate infrastructure. The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) reported significant damage and expressed concerns about water-borne diseases as an estimated 100,000 residents remain at risk. The proposal, which is met with mixed reactions, aims to establish a new city similar to other planned capitals like Nigeria's Abuja and Tanzania's Dodoma, focusing on enhanced urban planning and resilience to climate change. Monrovia, currently home to 1.5 million people, faces challenges from rising sea levels and poor sewage systems, prompting calls for urgent action. The Ministry of Public Works is reviewing the proposal, emphasizing the economic implications of such a move, given the country's limited budget. Legislators and citizens alike are debating the feasibility and necessity of relocating the capital in light of ongoing environmental threats.