Monrovia – The Ministry of Public Works has come under scrutiny over irregularities surrounding the US$21 million contract awarded.
The Liberian Senate, in response to concerns raised by Senators Nathaniel F. McGill of Margibi County, Gbehzongar M. Findley of Grand Bassa County, Simeon B. Taylor of Grand Cape Mount County, and Abraham Darius Dillon of Montserrado County, has initiated an investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding road contracts awarded by the Ministry of Public Works and Rural Development (MPW).
The Senate’s Plenary has tasked the Committees on Judiciary, Public Works, and Public Accounts and Audits with probing the recent contracts awarded by the MPW for road rehabilitation and construction across the country. The decision was prompted by a communication from the aforementioned senators during Thursday’s sitting.
According to the senators, the MPW reportedly granted contracts totaling $21 million to various contractors for road projects. Among the contracts mentioned were those awarded to CHICO for the Salayea to Voinjama route ($3,999,000), SSF for the Voinjama to Foya segment ($1,719,976.40), and CICO for the Tapita to Zwedru stretch ($3,200,000), among others.
In a press release issued by the Senate, the senators highlighted concerns regarding the MPW’s failure to ensure adequate funding before awarding contracts, as stipulated in the Public Financial Management (PFM) and the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) Act. They emphasized the importance of adhering to national and international competitive bidding processes for procurement.
Additionally, the senators criticized the MPW’s alleged authorization of pre-financing agreements through “letters to proceed” without the approval of a national budget. They argued that such actions contravene the Amended and Restated Public Procurement and Concession Act of 2005 and demonstrate a disregard for the rule of law.
The senators called on the Liberian Senate to halt the MPW from proceeding with the contracts until a budget is approved by the legislature. They emphasized the necessity for any institution entering into pre-financing agreements to seek legislative approval in accordance with Article 34(d) of the Liberian Constitution.
The Joint Committee formed by the Senate is expected to deliver its report within
