By Bill W. Cooper
Margibi County Senator Nathaniel McGill has raised serious concerns regarding the whereabouts of the 43 pieces of earth-moving road equipment purchased by the previous Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government of former President George Weah.
The senator, who once served as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs during Weah’s regime, is under inquiry amid growing public scrutiny over the management of government assets and infrastructure development.
McGill’s concerns also came at the time that the government is working out a modality to conclude the acquisition of 285 pieces of earth-moving equipment (yellow machines) for the sole purpose of constructing and rehabilitating all of the country’s roads.
Vice President Jeremiah Kpang Koung saved Liberia millions of United States Dollars projected for the purchase of 285 pieces of earth-moving equipment by the President Joseph Boakai Administration.
The Vice President, who made the disclosure in the United States recently, announced the completion of the final report regarding the acquisition of the yellow machines, establishing the total cost at no more than US$22 million.
During the town hall meeting with Liberians in the US, VP Koung elaborated that the initial estimated cost for the equipment was around US$43 million, a figure he deemed exorbitant and unrealistic.
According to him, following negotiation, he, along with the team sent by President Boakai, succeeded in ensuring that the cost of the yellow machines was reduced to US$22 million, a difference of US$21 million from the previously projected cost.
Koung added that the conclusion of the negotiation now paves the way for the formal procurement process, with each county set to benefit from 19 pieces of essential earth-moving equipment.
During the Senate debate on road infrastructure projects across Liberia on Tuesday, May 22, 2025, McGill said the citizenry must know the whereabouts of the earth-moving road equipment bought by the CDC, now that the current Minister of Public Works has confirmed that about 27 of the machines are in the country.
The Senator, however, said it is key that the government, through the Public Works Ministry, provides clarity on their exact locations and current status, especially so that the government is now ensuring robust road maintenance and rehabilitation across the Country.
McGill, at the same time, expressed his dismay over the lack of transparency surrounding the procurement and current status of the heavy machinery, which he said were bought by the CDC government to enhance road construction and maintenance across Liberia.
“It is a good thing that we are talking about plans to connect our roads. However, machines that were bought with public funds to improve our infrastructure during the CDC regime need to be accounted for.
We need to know the status and location of these machines, and thankfully, the Public Works Minister admitted that 27 of those machines are available. So, it is our right to know where they are and how they are being utilized,” he stated emphatically.
According to him, the equipment, which includes bulldozers, graders, and excavators, among others, was acquired as part of a broader initiative to address Liberia’s deteriorating road conditions, a critical issue that has long affected the nation.
The Margibi County Senator, however, highlighted that the absence of these machines, if not found or accounted for, could severely hamper ongoing road projects, particularly in rural areas where access to basic services remains a challenge.
He maintained, “Roads are the lifeblood of our economy. Without proper infrastructure, we cannot expect to attract investment or improve the livelihoods of our people, and that is the reason why the CDC government bought those machines.”
Sen. McGill, at the same time, pleaded with his colleagues to prevail upon the Public Works Ministry to investigate the current status of the equipment, coupled with providing a detailed report to the public.