Senator Wants Initial US$5m Report On Ebola Fight

Bomi County Senator Sando Johnson is appealing to the National Task Force on Ebola to make available a report on the expenditure of the initial US$5 million provided the Task Force to fight the disease.

He said the provision of a comprehensive expenditure report would be a precondition for additional allocations and also ensure transparency in the ongoing fight against the Ebola virus.

Speaking to journalists at his Capitol Building office shortly after attending executive session Tuesday, Senator Johnson said he has no suspicions in mind, but noted that review of the document will enable people to know the efforts and gains made by the government in the Ebola fight.

The Liberian Senate on Tuesday convened an executive session for over two and half hours.

Speaking in an interview with the Liberia News Agency, Senator Johnson indicated that the executive session was convened because there was nothing to discuss of public concern.

Commenting further on the usage of the initial allocation, he said the head of the National Task Force is aware that the report is necessary now to enable relevant authorities ascertain the challenges facing the Task Force and how they can be remedied.

He added: “The public is concerned as to whether the amount actually reached the targeted group, and reporting on the funds will help gain additional support from international and local donor partners.”

At the same time, the Bomi County Senator is calling on the National Legislature not to contemplate becoming members of the task force because it would compromise the oversight responsibility it has over the Executive Branch of government.