In less than a week, public outcry has erupted following the maintenance work on buses purportedly newly acquired, raising serious concerns among the populace.
The controversy stems from the arrival of buses from Ghana, announced by Liberia’s National Transit Authority (NTA), which has sparked debates and criticisms despite government clarifications.
While the government has disclosed the buses’ origin, critics argue that procurement details and procedural transparency remain unclear.
Safety concerns have also been raised regarding passengers boarding these buses, which are reportedly second-hand.
The controversy intensified after a Ghanaian journalist exposed the rebranding of buses, originally linked to the Ghanaian government, now adorned with the logos of Liberia’s NTA.
This revelation has prompted legal and procurement integrity questions regarding the transaction.
Initially, reports indicated that two buses had arrived in Liberia for testing and were deemed roadworthy.
However, the situation escalated when President Joseph Boakai received the first two buses from the Brazilian manufacturer Marcopolo in Ghana, adding to the confusion.
A photograph depicting maintenance services on one of these “new buses” has exacerbated public discontent, particularly amidst ongoing transportation shortages affecting services provided by the NTA.
This scarcity has significantly impacted University of Liberia students commuting to and from campuses, underscoring the urgency for improved transport solutions.
In response to mounting scrutiny, the Liberian government emphasizes its commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure and addressing sector challenges.
Officials pledged transparency and efficiency in executing this initiative, seeking to clarify the procurement process and deployment plans for these buses.
As developments unfold, stakeholders and the public await further information regarding the acquisition and integration of these buses, which are poised to play a pivotal role in revitalizing Liberia’s public transport network.
