The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has taken a major step to improve the working conditions of its employees by dedicating several new vehicles for staff transportation and field operations. The dedication ceremony was held on Tuesday at the EPA’s headquarters in Mamba Point, Monrovia.
Speaking at the event, EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo emphasized that the move was in response to concerns raised by employees regarding the lack of an effective transportation system.
“When we took over the EPA, we opened the corridors for our employees to speak through our integrity boxes. Among many issues, they highlighted transportation challenges, which made commuting to work difficult due to low salaries. Today, I am happy to announce that we have purchased the following vehicles: two brand-new buses for employee transportation, one Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep for our Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Team, one Toyota Prado Jeep for our Deputy Director, and another Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep that is still pending delivery,” Yarkpawolo stated.
He assured the public that the vehicles were procured in line with government regulations and the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) guidelines.
Additionally, he acknowledged the LIFT Project, led by Commerce Minister Madam Magdalene Dagoseh, for donating five Yamaha motorcycles to the EPA’s inspectorate department. He also expressed gratitude to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for donating two motorcycles that will be assigned to River Gee and Grand Kru counties.
Dr. Yarkpawolo further announced that the EPA has developed a transport policy to regulate the use of these vehicles. This policy, which includes guidelines on insurance, bus usage, motorcycle safety, and assigned vehicles, has been uploaded to the EPA website for employees to review.
He also took the opportunity to highlight another milestone— the ongoing construction of a modern USD 100,000 environmental laboratory. He noted that once completed, this facility will conduct world-class environmental data analysis, improving the agency’s efficiency.
The Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Dr. Josiah F. Joekai, who served as the guest of honor, commended the EPA boss for his leadership and dedication to serving the Liberian people.
“A leader who buys a vehicle for his deputy but leaves himself out—that is true leadership,” Dr. Joekai said. “Such leaders are not easy to find. Dr. Yarkpawolo is one of those working hard to implement President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda. In just one year, you can see the transformation— a new EPA headquarters, vehicles for employees, and many other improvements.”
Dr. Joekai also spoke about ongoing efforts at the CSA to clean up the government payroll.
“Tomorrow makes me exactly one year in office, and we have put measures in place to stop the government from spending money on people who are not in the system. Since we took over, we have ensured that all ghost names and double dippers have been removed from the government payroll,” he stated.
He then urged the EPA workforce to continue supporting Dr. Yarkpawolo, emphasizing that positive changes are happening at the agency under his leadership.
Also, speaking at the event, Mr. Andrew Paygar-Flangiah, Deputy Minister of Commerce, representing the EPA Board Chair and Policy Council, chaired by Commerce Minister Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh, conveyed Minister Dagoseh’s appreciation to the EPA leadership and staff for their hard work and dedication.
“The Board is always willing and ready to work with this leadership as long as it contributes to the growth of the EPA,” he stated.
He commended Dr. Yarkpawolo and his team for their efforts in strengthening the institution and assured them of the Board’s full support.
“We have seen remarkable changes under this leadership. The EPA is growing stronger, and we are proud of the direction in which it is heading. We want to assure you of our highest support as you continue to build a more efficient and effective institution,” he added
For his part, the President of the EPA Workers’ Union, Jerry Togba, expressed appreciation to the EPA leadership for prioritizing the employees’ welfare.
“We, the employees, are beyond grateful for these new vehicles. Many of us have struggled with transportation for years, and this initiative shows that our leadership is listening and acting,” Togba said.
He further commended Dr. Yarkpawolo for his inclusive leadership style, which allows employees to express their concerns and see real action taken.
“This is not just about vehicles; it is about commitment, respect, and valuing the hard work of the employees. We feel motivated and encouraged to give our best because we see our leaders working in our interest,” he added.
Togba also urged employees to take care of the newly acquired asset.