In a decisive move aimed at upholding standards and ensuring compliance, the Ministry of Public Works has suspended the Road User Permit (RUP – 220620-004) granted to Western Cluster Limited (WCL) with immediate effect.
This action comes in response to what the Ministry has identified as persistent violations of the terms outlined in the permit agreement.
The RUP, which authorized Western Cluster Limited to engage in commercial hauling of iron ore along the Freeport of Monrovia-Bomi Hills road corridor, was suspended following a thorough examination of the company’s operations.
The Ministry, in its notice to the company’s Country Representative, cited specific breaches of the permit terms.
Among the violations highlighted by the Ministry is the use of trucks exceeding the permitted dimensions and weight.
According to the terms of the permit, trucks are restricted to a maximum length of 34 feet, a width of 8.5 feet, and a maximum axle load of 30 tons
Moreover, the Ministry’s investigation revealed that Western Cluster Limited had been utilizing trucks that exceeded these limits, posing potential risks to road safety and infrastructure integrity.
The Ministry raised concerns over the timing of iron ore transportation activities conducted by Western Cluster Limited.
The permit explicitly stipulates a designated timeframe for such activities, restricting them to the hours between 7 PM and 6 AM.
Despite this provision, the Ministry said it observed instances of iron ore trucking occurring outside the permitted hours, thereby contravening the terms of the agreement.
Another point of contention highlighted by the Ministry relates to the absence of mandated weight bridges at key locations along the transportation route.
Section III (A) of the permit explicitly requires Western Cluster Limited to erect and maintain weight bridges at specified points, a measure intended to ensure transparency and accountability in the transportation process.
The Ministry’s assessment also revealed a failure on the part of the company to fulfill this obligation, raising questions about compliance and oversight.
Additionally, the Ministry of Public Works expressed dissatisfaction with Western Cluster neglect of road maintenance responsibilities.
Despite being entrusted with the commercial use of the road corridor, the company has allegedly neglected its duty to undertake necessary repairs and upkeep, leading to deterioration and inconvenience for other road users.
This suspension order comes in the wake of a previous suspension issued on November 6, 2023, for similar violations.
Despite assurances from Western Cluster regarding prompt remedial action, the Ministry indicated that their investigation has uncovered ongoing breaches of the permit terms, prompting this latest enforcement action.
In its notice to Western Cluster Limited, the Ministry underscored the seriousness of the violations and emphasized the necessity of prompt corrective measures.
The company has been given a grace period of 60 days to address the identified violations and demonstrate a commitment to full compliance. Failure to rectify these issues within the stipulated timeframe may result in the termination of the Road User Permit, effectively halting Western Cluster commercial hauling operations along the designated corridor.
By holding companies accountable for adherence to permit terms and operational guidelines, the Ministry of Public Works says it aims to safeguard public interests and promote responsible business practices within the transportation sector.
