A proposal to relocate Liberia’s capital city from Monrovia has emerged in response to severe flooding, sparking mixed reactions among the nation’s citizens and lawmakers.

The idea comes after torrential rains between late June and early July left nearly 50,000 people in urgent need, according to the national disaster management agency.

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Monrovia, situated on the Atlantic coast, faces recurring flooding issues exacerbated by overpopulation, inadequate sewage systems, and poor building regulations.

In early July, a Senate joint committee suggested establishing a new city to replace Monrovia.

Chris Kpewudu, a young motorbike driver in Monrovia, supports the idea: “Our current capital city is a mess.

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There is garbage all over the city, and when it rains, there is flooding everywhere. A new city could be well laid out and even surpass Abuja,” referencing Nigeria’s planned capital.

Other African countries, like Tanzania with Dodoma and Ivory Coast with Yamoussoukro, have also moved their capitals to more central locations.

Monrovia, home to 1.5 million people, serves as Liberia’s economic, political, and cultural hub.

Its infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the growing population, despite the Freeport of Monrovia being a critical gateway for exports like iron ore, rubber, and timber.

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The Ministry of Public Works is carefully reviewing the proposal.

Communications director, T. T. Benjamin Myers noted that building a new city would be capital-intensive, considering Liberia’s national budget is around $600 million.

“Technical, financial, and economic factors must be seriously considered,” he said.

The idea of relocating the capital isn’t new. In 2012, then-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf proposed moving Monrovia to a new city called Zekepa.

However, that plan never materialized, and some, like Marayah Fyneah of the Liberian Women’s Legislative Caucus, remain skeptical about the feasibility of such a move.

Critics argue the government should focus on improving infrastructure and addressing poverty in Monrovia before considering relocation.

Journalist Princess Elexa VanjahKollie commented, “Our lawmakers are overlooking current issues. Even Monrovia is poorly managed in terms of sanitation.”

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Experts caution that establishing a new capital requires extensive urban planning.

Christopher Wallace, an economics lecturer at the University of Liberia, emphasized, “to establish a new city is not a quick fix. Economic activities, zoning, and a clear layout are essential for creating a viable new capital.”

A wave of support from prominent Democrats has followed U.S. President Joe Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party’s nomination in the upcoming November election.

Biden announced his withdrawal from the race on Sunday, endorsing Harris to run in his place.

He stated that stepping down was in the best interests of both the Democratic Party and the country.

Donald Trump, Biden’s former Republican challenger, reacted on social media, calling Biden “the worst president in the history of our country” and criticized his tenure.

Leading Democrats who endorsed Harris included former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senator Elizabeth Warren.

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The Clintons, in a statement posted on X, expressed their honor in joining Biden to endorse Harris and pledged their support: “Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we’ve got to elect her.”

Pelosi praised Biden for his public service and called him “one of the most consequential Presidents in American history.”

She had previously warned Biden about his impact on other Democrats and celebrated his decision to step aside with a tribute to his service.

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Senator Warren highlighted Biden’s transformative presidency, crediting him with significant accomplishments over the past four years, including job creation, fighting corporate influence, and addressing climate change.

She endorsed Harris, calling her a proven leader capable of uniting the party and defeating Trump.

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In her acceptance of Biden’s endorsement, Harris confirmed her intention to seek the Democratic presidential nomination and committed to uniting the party to defeat Trump.

“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” she stated.

Harris emphasized her dedication to continuing the progress made under Biden’s administration and called for support to defeat Trump’s agenda.

Former President, Barack Obama also commended Biden for his decision, calling him a patriot of the highest order and one of America’s most consequential presidents.

Obama reflected on Biden’s character and his numerous achievements during his presidency, asserting that Biden’s decision to step down exemplified his selfless dedication to the country.

Senator Bernie Sanders praised Biden for his pro-working-class policies and his historic firsts, such as walking a picket line with striking workers.

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Sanders thanked Biden for his service and endorsed Harris as the candidate to continue their shared vision.

In his announcement, Biden expressed gratitude to Americans for their resilience and support during his presidency.

He highlighted his administration’s achievements, including economic recovery, healthcare expansion, and climate legislation, and reiterated his belief in America’s potential when united.

Biden’s decision to step down places him alongside two other incumbent presidents in modern history who chose not to seek reelection: President Harry S. Truman in 1952 and President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968.

Both of those announcements came earlier in the election cycle, allowing more time for party regrouping, although Democrats lost both subsequent elections.

Unlike Truman and Johnson, Biden will complete his first term without seeking reelection.