By Alex Yomah
The plenary of the Liberian Senate on Thursday evening constituted an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the hasty increase in fees for inspection and clearing of containers at the Free Port of Monrovia.
The Senate Pro-Tempore, Albert Chie, named Bomi County Senator Edwin M. Snowe as Chairperson followed by Senators Henrique Tokpah of Bong County, Botoe Kanneh of Gbapolu County, Jonathan Boycharles Sogbie of River Gee County and Emmanuel Nuquay of Margibi County as members.
The decision of the Senate to probe into the matter was triggered by a communication from Senator Snowe in which he complained of the hasty increment in the inspections and clearing of containers at the National Port Authority (NPA) headed by Bill Twehway.
In his communication addressed which was addressed to the plenary of the Liberian Senate, the Bomi County Lawmaker explained how the MEDTECH SCIENTIFIC Company LTD operating at the Free Port of Monrovia has rapidly increased charges on container inspection.
According to him, the Company has increased the charges from US$190 and US$280 to US$280 and US$400 for 20ft and 40ft containers respectively.
Additionally, Senator Snowe stated in his communication that said complain comes from business people, mainly Liberian business owners and women who are facing the harsh reality of importing goods in containers from aboard.
It can be recalled that BIVAC Liberia has been operating during many years at the Free Port of Monrovia rendering the same services to MTS as it was the case before the agreement was transferred to MEDTECH SCIENTIFIC Company LTD.
The Ad-hoc committee is however, expected to report its findings within two weeks for legislative action.