The road and agricultural components of the ARREST Agenda of President Joseph Boakai’s administration have received a huge boost with the arrival of the first batch of 285 pieces of earth-moving machines and dump trucks meant to bolster the low cost of road construction and maintenance.
The machines arrived in the country through the Free Port of Monrovia a fortnight ago and were unveiled at a ceremony held at the National Port Authority (NPA) compound in Monrovia, drawing admiration and excitement from Liberians who had lined the streets to get glances of the yellow machines and trucks that were on display through a parade.
Led by the Minister of State without Portfolio, Mamaka Bility, the unveiling marked the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s infrastructure, agriculture, and commercial activities.
Minister Bility emphasized the importance of these machines in supporting road construction efforts and creating job opportunities for young Liberians.
“The machines are expected to play a crucial role in improving the country’s road network, including farm-to-market roads, which are vital for agricultural productivity,” she noted.
The unveiling and public display marked the government’s first official confirmation of the arrival of the machines amid weeks of speculations.
The procession began from Bushrod Island through the Japan Freeway, the 72nd Boulevard, and Tubman Boulevard before entering the military barrack, the Barclay Training Center (BTC).
“The arrival and unveiling of these machines is a demonstration that the government is resolved to make Liberia a more accessible country,” Bility said, an intervention, she believes, is meant to boost, infrastructure, agriculture, and commercial activities in the country.
“These pieces of equipment will be kept at the Barclay Training Center as the government and the public anticipate the arrival of the rest which are already in en route,” she added.
The acquisition of these machines aligns with President Boakai’s vision for cost-effective road infrastructure development, demonstrating the government’s determination to address the country’s infrastructure deficiencies.
The “yellow machine deal,” promoted as President Boakai’s flagship program, was first announced by Minister Bility at the President’s first cabinet retreat in May. Though the pronouncement was greeted by skepticism and criticisms, the arrival of the first batch indicates how serious the government is about developing this country.
The acquisition of the machines, preceded by the thought of the President and his cabinet on exploring the possibility of how the government can effectively achieve its road infrastructure program using a low and sustainable cost mechanism, was consistent with existing laws and best practices.
The initiative has been met with enthusiasm from many Liberians, who see it as a positive step towards improving road connectivity and boosting overall development. Some expressed their appreciation for the
