By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana, Friday, November 15, 2024, at her regular briefing, revealed that buses brought from Ghana into the country to help ease public transport were never intended to stay in the transport sector as initially provided by officials of the government.
Fofana revealed that the buses were signs of expression of interest to invest in the transport sector. It can be recalled that the Government of Liberia brought in two buses to be operated by the National Transit Authority to solve the problem in the transportation sector. The buses were branded with the NTA logo.
The Political Advisor to the President, Madam Mcdalla Cooper, asserted that the bus initiative came at a time when the Liberia National Transit Authority (NTA) was faced with severe bus shortages, a situation that affected public transport services and made it difficult for the University of Liberia students to commute to and from school.
She stated that the arrival of the initial two buses was the first step that would have subsequently led to improvements in Liberia’s public transportation system, as the government contemplated bringing in about 300 buses once the initial two had proven to be useful. “The arrival of these buses will significantly enhance our transportation system, and the President is pleased with the quality of the buses as we look forward to the remaining 300 to arrive soon,” Madam Cooper said.
However, the buses have since disappeared into thin air, without a trait of being seen in the transport sector. In contradiction to the Political Advisor, the President’s Press Secretary intimated that the buses were brought to exhibit the intention of a transport company, not to immediately get on the market.
“The president’s vision for the transport sector is for people who intend to invest in the sector to bring their intent forward to help with the NTA.” So, this was with the team who was interested in bringing the buses.”
Fofana added that the buses were only intended to show the interest of the potential investors in the transport sector as part of the negotiation with the government.
“The buses that they brought were just to showcase to the government that “Yes, we can do this.”
She further noted that the government did not agree with any company to invest in the transport sector as provided by the Political Advisor, who stated that the arrival of the initial two buses is the first step and that the government was contemplating bringing in about 300 buses once the initial two prove to be useful. “It was not an agreement. It was a form of expression of interest.” Kula added
In response to what appears to be the abandonment of the most talked about 285 earth moving equipment, Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana provided that there is no report yet from the committee set up by the president to work on modality to have the 285 yellow machines operating across the country is yet to report.
She said following the President’s letter to the legislature, the President appointed a committee headed by the Vice president to ensure that all the machines were in the country and to be distributed amongst the fifteen counties for the pavement and maintenance of roads across the country. “Further to the President’s letter to the legislature, the President appointed a committee headed by the Vice President to take charge of the 285 machines.”
She further added that there are conversations to finalize every issue relating to the machines. “I can confirm that there is a conversation ongoing. Once the team finalizes all the issues relating to the 285 machines, you will be informed about the best course of action.” Kula stated. It can be referenced that on May 14, 2024, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s Minister of State Without Portfolio, Mamaka Bility, at the first cabinet meeting announced that the government had acquired 285 pieces of earth moving machines to bolster low-cost road construction and maintenance.
The announcement of the equipment, which has a market value in the neighborhood of 30 million, sparked concerns among the public and the legislature, questioning the procurement arrangement under which these machines were acquired.
Following public concerns, the government, on May 27, 2024, through the Minister of Information Jerolinmek Piah, somersaulted on the initial statement stating that there has been no agreement reached with any organization or individual regarding large-scale acquisition of road construction and maintenance equipment.
“The government did not decide and has not decided on the earth-moving equipment. There was only a video that came out unveiling the vehicles that the government is looking at but has not decided to have yellow machines, and once it is concluded, that will be announced,” he said.
He asserted that the presentation was showcasing what the government intends to do but has not reached that decision, adding that all lawful procedures will be met before a decision can be reached.
However, on July 6, 2024, the government received the first batch of machines, parading the corridors of Gandersville, Paynesville, and Monrovia and subsequently parking the equipment at the Edward BM Kesseley Barracks in Monrovia.
During the arrival, minister Bility stated: “I’m honestly happy for Liberia. This is a dream come true for any well-meaning Liberia because, as I said in the presentation (In the video), (if) you know the conditions of our roads and you know the situation of Liberia. You will be happy that we have this equipment here because half of our country is in the bush. Most of our people don’t have access to roads. Why do you think agriculture is not improving? [It’s] because they don’t have access to roads and they don’t have access to the markets. So this is the hour of the ARREST agenda roads, so we are going to open the country.”
The arrival further intensified the legislature’s concern about the procurement process, leading to the president writing the legislature to provide clarity on how the machines were brought into the country.
In his letter dated July 9, 2024, President Boakai informed members of both Houses that the government’s effort to acquire what is now known as “yellow machines” came out of a conversation with a long-time friend (relationship) who believes in his political agenda and has expressed his willingness to help.
President Boakai’s letter states: “The initiative originated from a conversation between me and a long-time friend who shares a commitment to the ARREST Agenda. This friend was moved by the spirit of solidarity and a strong desire to participate in the implementation, in the shortest possible time, of our development agenda. He offered to provide equipment in good faith and on a gentleman’s agreement.”
Since the President’s letter to the legislature, there has been no further communication or information about the machines. Major roads across the country, especially the South East, continued to remain deplorable as the intended purpose of the machines is yet to be realistic.
