The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), has raised significant concerns regarding the procurement of 285 earth-moving equipment, and is urging the government to address the critical questions about the sourcing process of these machines.
It can be recalled that, on Monday May 20, 2024, the government held a three-day Cabinet Retreat during which the Minister of State Without Portfolio, Mamaka Bility, announced that 285 pieces of earth-moving equipment had been presented to the Government of Liberia in a virtual turnover ceremony attended by her, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Sylvester M. Grigsby and the Minister of Public Works. Roland Layfette Giddings.
A video released in this regard also features the Senior Vice President of Sany Group, a Chinese multi-national heavy equipment manufacturing company, Xu Ming and the 3rd-largest heavy equipment manufacturer in the world as well as the Chairman of the Guma Group based in South Africa, Robert Gumede.
Addressing the press on May 30, at the office in Sinkor, the Executive Director Anderson Miamen, said that, Liberians have welcomed the development, but call for transparency, accountability, and full compliance with procurement and other related laws in acquiring the equipment.
At a Press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah said the announcement made by Minister Bility was not as a result of an agreement reached but rather an update on plans of the government.
“The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia has closely followed developments and discussions surrounding the saga, especially the Government of Liberia’s official position, as communicated by the Minister of Information,” he said.
He added, “We are deeply concerned about the Pronouncement and the entire process surrounding it. Equally, we are appalled by the Liberian Government’s official response, which leaves more questions than answers. First, Minister Bility’s pronouncement lacked the required details to adequately inform the public about the process.”
“Fellow Liberians, the Country deserves more transparency, openness, and integrity from her leaders. We urge President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. and his team to look into history and proceed with extreme caution in initiating discussions around potential support from individuals and groups, especially those with business interest in Liberia,” he stressed.
However, CENTAL welcomed the government’s plans to acquire multiple key assets and logistics to facilitate works and development in different sectors, including road/infrastructure in this instant case and noted that if used for the intended purpose (s), this will help to bring much-needed development to the country and transform the lives of Liberians, in the wake of increased levels of poverty and infrastructure deficit.
The Government was not compelled to speak on the matter, since it claims that the arrangement is premature or in its formative stage. Yet, if the video presented by Minister Bility is anything to go by, the pieces of equipment have already been marked with the photos of President Joseph N. Boakai, decorated with the Liberian Flag, and in motion as if en route to Liberia.
The ‘no business as usual’ promise of the President should be applied in this instant case. As important as the procurement of this equipment may be in alleviating the deplorable road constraints faced by citizens, the lack of transparency around the acquisition, source of funding, and tendering may paint a dark picture and erode public trust and acceptability of the project.
“We are also aware of the dangers of government receiving donations or gifts from companies with business interests in Liberia. May we remind the Government of the situation involving the 100 Toyota Hilux DXD4 double cabin pickups donated to members of the 52nd National Legislature by Arcelor Mittal, the company mining iron ore in Nimba County,” he narrated.
Meanwhile, CENTAL called for more transparency, competition, and inclusiveness of processes around transfer of our national assets as well as acquisition of equipment for road, agriculture and other critical sectors and activities, adding, “We urge President Boakai and his team to fully comply with the PPCC Guidelines in any procurement related matters.”
He concluded, “We applaud Liberians for their courage in speaking out on governance, accountability and other issues bordering on their interest and the wellbeing of the country. Equally, we call on the Legislature to lead by example and be robust and independent in performing its duties, especially through ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity around this and other related critical matters.”
