Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-04-19 01:11:19
The Liberian Senate has launched an investigation into the Ministry of Public Works over allegations of awarding contracts for road construction and rehabilitation without the Senate’s approval. The Senate Plenary has taken this action after receiving a joint communication from Senators Nathaniel McGill, Abraham Dillon, Gbehzongar Findley, and Simeon Taylor representing Margibi, Montserrado, Grand Bassa, and Grand Cape Mount Counties, respectively.
The communication accused the Ministry of Public Works of awarding contracts worth over US$21 million to several contractors to work on road projects across the country. The contracts included projects such as road rehabilitation and construction from Salayea to Voinjama, Voinjama to Foya, Foya to Mendikorma, Tapita to Zwedru, Zwedru to Karnweakan, Barclayville to Pleebo, Buchanan to ITI, and ITI to Greenville.
The senators highlighted the importance of following the Public Financial Management Act and the PPCC Act, which outline the procedures for issuing contracts and ensuring that funding is available before awarding them. They emphasized the need for international and national open competitive bidding processes for procurement of goods and services.
Moreover, the senators pointed out that the Ministry of Public Works had signed contracts allowing contractors to acquire loans through pre-financing agreements but without an approved national budget. They raised concerns about the funding source for these contracts and emphasized the requirement for legislative approval before entering into pre-financing agreements.
The senators called on the Liberian Senate to halt the Public Works Ministry from proceeding with the contracts until an approved budget is passed by the Legislature. They stressed the importance of upholding good governance and transparency in government actions to serve the best interests of the Liberian people and uphold the rule of law.
The Senate Committees on Judiciary, Public Works, and Public Accounts and Audits have been instructed to investigate the Ministry of Public Works and report back to the Plenary within one week. The goal of the investigation is to ensure accountability and adherence to legal processes in the awarding of contracts by government institutions.
In conclusion, the Liberian Senate’s probe into the Ministry of Public Works reflects a commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in government actions. It showcases the Senate’s role in overseeing and scrutinizing the executive branch to ensure that public funds are used responsibly and in the best interest of the Liberian people.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
