Liberia legislature reconstruction estimated at over $10M
Speaker Koon states no funds budgeted for repairs, raising possibility of a loan for the damaged facility.
Liberian Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah toured the destroyed Joint Chambers of the Legislature, over a year after a severe incident caused extensive damage. Rebuilding the heavily damaged structure will demand significant financial resources and extensive construction work, with estimates reaching at least US$10 million. A multi-stage damage assessment involving government estimators and international experts is planned.
Deputy Speaker Fallah described the destruction as a "sad," "embarrassing," and "frustrating" moment, noting that the building will have to be rebuilt from scratch. Speaker Koon confirmed that no money has been budgeted for the projected repairs, which are estimated around US$10 million. He stated that the shutdown of the Joint Chambers continues to impair the Legislature's function, especially during the State of the Nation Address.
The cause of the incident remains unestablished, but the destruction occurred amid a leadership crisis in the House of Representatives. The Liberia National Police identified arson as the cause, leading to criminal proceedings. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai delivered his 2025 and 2026 State of the Nation Addresses outdoors on the Capitol grounds due to the damage.
Why it mattersThe damaged Joint Chambers have disrupted major legislative activities, including the State of the Nation Address, affecting the functioning of the Liberian government.