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Zorzor, Lofa County-Representative Augustine B. Chiewolo has released his 2025 Annual Legislative Report, detailing a year of legislative activity, community development, and social interventions aimed at improving the lives of residents in District #5, Lofa County.
Despite a challenging political climate in the national legislature, the lawmaker outlined significant achievements ranging from education reform and infrastructure development to women’s empowerment and healthcare support across the district’s two administrative areas—Salayea and Zorzor.
The 2025 legislative year began under unusual circumstances following a prolonged impasse at the House of Representatives that lasted nearly six months.
Lawmakers conducted proceedings at the Sentinel Pavilion until May 13, 2025, when Richard Nagbe Koon was elected Speaker with 43 votes, resolving the dispute in line with a ruling by the Supreme Court of Liberia. Despite the institutional deadlock, Chiewolo maintained active legislative engagement and continued to deliver development initiatives to his constituents.
In Following the resolution of the leadership crisis, the Speaker constituted the House’s standing committees, assigning Chiewolo to one of the most extensive committee portfolios held by a District #5 representative in recent history.
He currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on LRRRC, Co-Chairman of the Committees on Health and Agriculture, and a member of the Committees on Executive and Labor.
During the reporting period, the lawmaker introduced three major bills focused on strengthening education and human capacity development. These include a bill to establish a vocational and technical training center at Salayea Central High School, legislation to convert the Change Agent Network University (CAN-U) from a private institution to a state-run university, and a bill to upgrade the Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts from a diploma-granting institution to a full degree-granting college.
The TNIMA upgrade bill has already been passed by the House of Representatives of Liberia and awaits concurrence from the Senate.
In addition to legislative proposals, Chiewolo placed five major communications before plenary addressing national and local concerns. Among them were calls for investigations into alleged killings of Lofa County citizens, concerns surrounding medical malpractice and impersonation cases at ELWA Hospital, and inquiries into incomplete projects by the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment.
He also requested a 2026 budget allocation to support Salayea and Zolowu health centers and the Phebe-Esther Beacon College of Health Sciences.
Beyond his legislative responsibilities, the report highlights extensive community development projects implemented throughout 2025. In Zorzor District, Chiewolo allocated US$17,000 from legislative earmarked funds to construct a modern latrine on the Zorzor Administrative Compound.
The project, implemented by SUMA ALFRIK Corporation, also includes a borehole water system to supply safe drinking water for residents and visitors attending community events.
Additional water and sanitation projects were carried out in several communities, including the construction of hand pumps in Good Neighbor and Billionaire Communities in Zorzor City, as well as a water kiosk with six faucets to improve access to safe drinking water.
The lawmaker also funded the rehabilitation of the Bluyeama Clan road with an investment of US$12,000, restoring access to communities that had become isolated during the rainy season.
In Salayea District, the development agenda included the construction of a modern latrine and water tower at the administrative compound, along with a water kiosk to improve sanitation. Renovations were also completed on the Salayea City Guest House through the County Development Fund.
Meanwhile, the construction of the Gorlu Town Hall—valued at US$15,000—has reached 80 percent completion and is expected to provide a central meeting space for the Gbarlin Clan.
The report also outlines ongoing renovation and development projects in Zelakpalah, Borkeza, and Yarpuah towns, including boreholes, school support, and community hall construction. In Wakasu Town, the lawmaker donated cement, zinc, and building materials to support the construction of a new school, while Gizzigboiga Town received chairs and school ceiling materials.
A major focus of the lawmaker’s interventions in 2025 was women and youth empowerment.
Through a partnership with the Rural Empowerment Skills Training Organization, a total of 169 citizens—90 percent of them women—were trained in soap production under the Trainers-of-Trainers (TOT) model in Salayea and Zorzor districts. The program aims to promote small business development and economic independence in rural communities.
Education support also formed a key component of the representative’s social programs.
Financial aid was extended to 31 students at Lofa County University, while additional scholarships were provided to four students at African Methodist Episcopal University.
Several public schools across the district also received financial assistance to support volunteer teachers and improve learning conditions.
Other community interventions included agricultural assistance programs, support for women’s groups and youth organizations, humanitarian aid, and donations to religious and community institutions.
Overall, the office of the representative expended approximately US$51,670 and L$1.8 million in development, humanitarian, and empowerment initiatives across District #5 during the year.
Despite the progress recorded, the report acknowledges that challenges remain, including infrastructure gaps, healthcare limitations, and post-election reconciliation in some communities.
However, Chiewolo reaffirmed his commitment to unity and development, calling on citizens across Salayea and Zorzor districts to set aside differences and work collectively toward the continued growth and prosperity of District #5 and Lofa County.
