By Grace Q. Bryant
Amid growing concerns and queries from members of the Legislature regarding the acquisition of earth-moving equipment, Joseph Boakai has provided a detailed response aimed at clarifying the process and addressing apprehensions.
In a statement emphasizing transparency and good faith, Boakai outlined the steps taken thus far and the rationale behind the initiative.
According to the President’s communication on July 11 before the plenary of the House of Representatives, the acquisition process began as a result of a conversation between Boakai and a long-time friend who is committed to the ARREST Agenda.
Driven by a spirit of solidarity and a shared vision for rapid infrastructural development, this friend offered to provide the equipment on a gentleman’s agreement.
President Boakai acknowledged that the scale of this initiative, based on trust and confidence in the leadership, is unprecedented in recent history.
Boakai assured that the acquisition process is still in the negotiation phase.
“No formal agreement or contract has been signed with any party. The discussions are ongoing, and no financial commitment has been made by the Government of Liberia (GOL). To date, not a single dime has been paid,” he stated.
Boakai clarified that no public funds have been expended on this project so far. The first batch of equipment that arrived in the country was shipped at the supplier’s expense, ensuring that the government has not incurred any transportation or acquisition costs.
President Boakai further explained that in the event that negotiations do not result in a mutually beneficial agreement, the supplier retains the right to reclaim the equipment and that this could mean either selling them within the Liberian market or re-exporting them, thereby ensuring that the government is neither financially burdened nor contractually bound.
Boakai underscored the importance of the National Legislature’s role in the ratification process.
He promised that once negotiations conclude and a formal agreement is reached, the necessary documents will be promptly submitted to the Legislature for consideration and ratification.
“At that point, any requests for clarifications or discussions will be welcomed to ensure the process remains transparent and accountable,” he said.
He further disclosed that plans are in place to establish maintenance zones in each county. Each county will receive the requisite number of machines for road construction and maintenance. This approach is designed to expedite the opening up of the entire country for development.
Boakai reiterated that there is currently no contract or agreement that necessitates legislative ratification.
The entire process is being conducted with a commitment to maintaining open lines of communication with the Legislature. Once a formal agreement and CIF value are established, the Legislature will be engaged in accordance with the country’s laws.
Boakai expressed his appreciation for the understanding and cooperation of the Legislature as the government works towards enhancing the nation’s infrastructure.
This initiative, though unconventional in its reliance on trust and goodwill, reflects a bold step towards rapid development, underpinned by a commitment to transparency and accountability.
