By Amos Harris
The Executive Director of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), Julius Sele, has strongly pushed back against claims by members of the National Legislature that no visible development is occurring across the country. Addressing the media over the weekend, Sele described the accusations as misleading and politically driven.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Director Sele asserted that these allegations do not reflect the reality of the agency’s operations. He insisted that LACE remains fully engaged in implementing community-based development initiatives nationwide, maintaining that the agency is currently overseeing several interventions designed to improve the lives of ordinary Liberians.
Sele noted that these projects specifically target vulnerable communities where access to basic infrastructure and livelihood opportunities is often limited. “The reality on the ground speaks for itself,” he declared, adding that many communities are already benefiting from roads, schools, hand pumps, and other essential services delivered under LACE’s mandate. He further explained that the agency’s current portfolio includes small-scale infrastructure such as bridges and clinics, livelihood support programs to reduce poverty, and various empowerment initiatives aimed at strengthening local economies.
The Executive Director expressed disappointment over lawmakers’ public suggestions that no progress has been made, warning that such rhetoric risks creating unnecessary public doubt and could undermine the confidence of international development partners. He urged members of the Legislature to avoid spreading unverified public statements, cautioning that misinformation from senior officials weakens trust in national development efforts, particularly in rural areas that depend heavily on government-backed support.
In a robust defense of LACE’s integrity, Sele also outlined the agency’s rigorous project approval process. He emphasized that every intervention undergoes an intensive internal review and validation mechanism before reaching the Legislature. This process begins with an assessment where proposals are vetted for feasibility, community relevance, and expected impact. Once validated, projects are forwarded through the offices of the Speaker of the House and the Senate Pro Tempore. This framework is designed to ensure accountability and guarantee that projects are equitably distributed across all counties and electoral districts.
Despite the recent friction, Sele reaffirmed LACE’s commitment to working closely with lawmakers and local authorities. He pointed out that the legislative project framework actually benefits lawmakers, as it ensures every district receives interventions based on approved priorities.
The Director’s comments come amid heightened public scrutiny regarding the visibility of government-funded programs. In response to demands for stronger accountability, Sele challenged critics to move past political rhetoric and assess the agency’s work based on the physical facts found at project sites. He concluded by assuring the public that LACE remains steadfast in its core mission of empowering communities, reducing poverty, and expanding infrastructure across Liberia.