By: Uriahs Faith Nyepan
Email: amburiahsfaithnyepan@g-mail.com
Cell: +231772117362/0555549474
[Monrovia, Liberia]- In a bold move to address Liberia’s critical housing challenges, Hon. Florence Kateka Geegbae, Managing Director of the National Housing Authority (NHA), has doubled up efforts to attract partnerships and investments aimed at transforming Liberia’s housing sector through strategic engagements with housing developers and financiers.
Hon. Geegbae, Managing Directress of the NHA, is currently spearheading initiatives to fulfill the National Housing Authority’s mandate of planning, implementing, and executing housing developments for Liberia’s growing population.
However, Hon. Geegbae has held multiple discussions both virtually and in person with key stakeholders in the housing sector. Amongst these engagements, a promising partnership with the SION GENIE International Construction Company stands out as a potential game-changer for affordable and sustainable housing solutions in Liberia, following Liberia’s challenging times in the housing sector.
Meanwhile, according to the 2022 National Population and Housing Census Report by LISGIS, only 20% of households live in permanent structures, while 45% reside in semi-permanent units and 35% in temporary shelters.
Additionally, the United Nations(UN) Habitat estimates that Liberia will require 512,000 new urban housing units by 2030, underscoring the urgency of Hon. Geegbae’s efforts.
The National Housing Authority’s leadership under the watch of Hon. Florence Geegbae has vowed to tackle the current challenges the Liberia Housing sector is faced with by fostering partnerships both locally and internationally.
She emphasized that collaboration with private developers, financial institutions, and international agencies is crucial to mobilizing the resources needed to meet Liberia’s housing demand.
She noted that Liberia is posed by high construction costs and limited access to financing, stating that under her watch the National Housing Authority is set to explore innovative solutions.
Furthermore, She Outlined, partnerships with private firms like SION GENIE are expected to introduce cost-effective construction technologies that could make housing more affordable for low- and middle-income families.
Meanwhile, as Liberia faces significant challenges in its housing sector, with 70% of the population living in slums and 50.9% below the poverty line, making access to decent housing a distant reality for many.
The situation is further challenged by limited loan options, as the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) remains the only institution offering residential Loans.
In light of these constraints, Hon. Florence Kateka Geegbae has called for reforms in housing finance to expand homeownership opportunities and reduce the housing crisis.
The National Housing Authority (NHA), under Hon. Geegbae’s leadership, is also prioritizing sustainability in its housing initiatives. By integrating environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient designs, the NHA aims to align its projects with global standards while addressing Liberia’s local climate resilience needs.
This approach seeks to improve living conditions for citizens while ensuring that new developments are both sustainable and adaptable to future challenges.
To foster collaboration and innovation, the NHA plans to host forums and workshops that will bring together developers, policymakers, and financiers. These platforms will serve as spaces for knowledge-sharing and brainstorming on affordable housing solutions.
Hon. Geegbae’s proactive strategies position the National Housing Authority as a critical driver of national development, with a vision of providing safe, affordable homes for more Liberians.
