The Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo-Information Services names challenges faced upon assuming office in March 2024.
By: Lawrence D. Kawala
September 19, 2024 — LISGIS named challenges faced upon assuming office in March 2024, which include: Infrastructure, Human Resource and Budget and said it has taken measures to address these challenges.
According to the Director General of LISGIS, Hon Richard F. Ngafuan, said LISGIS is currently housed in three dilapidated buildings located at the back of the Executive Mansion. These buildings are facing serious challenges, particularly with the roofs, and nearly every office in the technical building is experiencing leakages.
“The conditions of the buildings continue to worsen due to rain and the proximity to the sea, which causes corrosion to the walls, staircases, equipment, and the overall physical structure,” Mr. Ngafuan disclosed.
Mr. Ngafuan through MICAT regular press briefing on Thursday September 19, 2024 said that his administration inherited a total of 307 employees covering the central office and the 15 sub-divisions of Liberia, as the institution has been decentralized since 2009. He highlighted that Prior to the last two years before the elections, the payroll showed a total of 269 staff, reflecting a 7% increase since 2022.
“This increase has strained the already struggling payroll, leading to overstaffing and continued low remuneration for all staff, particularly qualified senior staff and technicians. Additionally, the capacity of many of these newly hired staff falls below the standard expected of a national statistics office, resulting in low productivity.” LISGIS Director General started.
Further more, LISGIS’s budget has primarily consisted of salaries and compensation, with over 80% allocated to salaries. The 2024 budget totaled USD 1,848,826, of which USD 1,616,630 was for salaries, USD 212,196 for goods and services, and USD 20,000 for grants, Mr. Ngafuan highlighted.
Meanwhile, the Director General of LISGIS has initiated discussions with the World Bank under the HISWA project to improve the infrastructure of the premises.
“These discussions have reached a conclusion, and the Bank is expected to approve minor repairs on the three buildings in a few months. This will enhance employees’ well-being and improve the work environment,” LISGIS Boss lauded.
Hon. Richard Ngafuan told the press that his administration is working closely with the Civil Service Agency to vet employees and ensure they are uniquely assigned, and said the payroll is also being reviewed by internal auditors and the administration of LISGIS.
At the same time, the Director General said he has engaged in discussions with senior management at the Ministry of Finance to ensure that the institution’s subsequent budgets reflect the needs of a national statistics office, which will emphasize capacity issues and the need for improved salaries for technical and senior staff, including statistical analysts.
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