A press release from the World Bank has denied claim by Madam Emma Glassco, Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) that the Bank has agreed to fund a US$21 million fisheries project in the country under the West Africa Regional Fisheries project (WARFP).
The World Bank clarification comes in wake of a recent NaFAA’s press release published in the local media.
NaFAA’s release stated that after holding fruitful discussions with Executives of the World Bank, Madam Glassco was able acquire a US$21 million Fisheries Project that would include a modern, state-of-the-art fishing and processing facility, and the establishment of landing jetties in five targeted coastal counties.
However, according to the Bank, the accuracy of the NaFAA’s publication is misleading, adding there is no commitment from the World Bank regarding funding a new fisheries project.
The World Bank release further clarified that during a meeting in Washington DC, both World Bank Directors praised what Liberia has been achieved and recognized the challenges the country is facing. However, there was no commitment from the World Bank regarding a new fisheries project.
The release added whether Liberia will have a new project with focus on fisheries will be determined after the new World Bank Director for Regional Integration comes on board on May 1, 2019, and a strategic decision will be made to fit the country’s priority needs.
