By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – In a move to promote local governance and development, the House of Representatives has taken steps to review three draft bills aimed at establishing new municipal structures in Grand Cape Mount County. The decision was made during the 8th day sitting of the first quarter of the second session on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
The initiative, headed by Hon. Gbessie Sonii Feika, Representative of Electoral District #3 in Grand Cape Mount County, seeks to create the City of Tieni and the townships of Matambo and Meimassa, all located within Tewor District. The proposed legislative enactments were submitted to Plenary for consideration, prompting the House to mandate its Committees on Judiciary, Internal Affairs, and Ways, Means, and Finance to conduct a thorough review.
Key Legislative Proposals
The draft bills under review include:
1. *An Act to Create the City of Tieni within Tewor District, Grand Cape Mount County*
2. *An Act to Create the Township of Matambo within Tewor District, Grand Cape Mount County*
3. *An Act to Create the Township of Meimassa within Tewor District, Grand Cape Mount County*
Following the reading of the bills, a motion by Hon. Prince Koinah called for the documents to be noted and considered as their first reading, in line with the House’s rules and procedures. Plenary subsequently instructed the relevant committees to assess the feasibility, legal implications, and financial requirements of the proposed structures and report back within two weeks.
Potential Impact on Local Governance
If enacted, these bills would mark a significant milestone in the development of Grand Cape Mount County, fostering improved local governance, economic growth, and community empowerment. The creation of new municipal structures would enable residents to access better public services, infrastructure, and opportunities for local participation in decision-making processes.
Hon. Feika emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “This is about bringing governance closer to the people and ensuring that communities in Tewor District have the resources and structures they need to thrive. These new city and townships will serve as catalysts for development and progress in our county.”
Grand Cape Mount County in a whole
Grand Cape Mount County, located in the northwestern region of Liberia, is one of the nation’s 15 counties. It is bordered by Gbarpolu County to the northeast, Bomi County to the southeast, Sierra Leone to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The county, which spans 1,993 square miles (5,160 km²), is divided into five districts, with Robertsport serving as its capital.
The county’s name, derived from the French *Cape du Mont (Cape of the Mount), traces its origins to 1461, when Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra charted the West Coast of Africa and named the prominent 300-foot-tall cape. The area later became a settlement in 1840 under Theodore Canot and was officially established as a county in 1856, following its separation from Montserrado County.
Next Steps
The Committees on Judiciary, Internal Affairs, and Ways, Means, and Finance are expected to conduct public consultations, engage stakeholders, and assess the economic and administrative viability of the proposed city and townships. Their findings will guide Plenary in making informed decisions on the bills.
The House of Representatives is expected to revisit the issue in the coming weeks, with further deliberations and potential enactment of the bills into law.
