Internal Affairs Minister, Hon. Morris M. Dukuly has called on Liberians to take ownership and support for development projects in their respective communities. He made special reference to those living in rural Liberia.

According to him, by taking ownership, citizens will encourage government and development partners to focus more on activities that will impact lives in their areas.

Addressing Traditional leaders, women’s and Youth groups at separate meetings in Gbarnga, Tuesday June 2013 Minister Dukuly strongly urged full participation of community members in all projects, whether government, companies or NGOs, and cooperate with them.

He said this will strengthen the development process in the communities and stop the suffering and backwardness experienced in the past.

The Internal Affairs Boss called for peace, reconciliation and healing amongst community dwellers, saying, “let’s forget the past, bury past differences and forge ahead with development”.

He told participants at separate gatherings that he will ensure government agencies; companies and NGOs working in communities to involve residents in all their activities by communicating with them regularly and seeking their participation at all times.

Speaking earlier, youth, women and traditional leaders expressed concerns for not being involved in the selection and implementation of projects in communities, which in some cases lead to rejection or abandonment.

The citizens’ clam expressed to the Minister confirms long-standing cases of abandoned or unutilized projects in some counties due to dissatisfaction of local residents.