Liberia: Government Unveils First Batch of 285 Earth-Moving Machines Amid Controversial Procurement Process

Monrovia – The government of Liberia has unveiled the first batch of 285 earth-moving machines and dump trucks to the public. Minister of State Without Portfolio Mamaka Bility led the government team at the unveiling ceremony held at the National Port Authority (NPA) compound.

By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972) – websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Minister Bility disclosed that the first batch of equipment would be taken to the Barclay Training Center to make way for the remaining ones that are en route.

After addressing the press, Minister Bility led a procession of the machines from Bushrod Island through the Japan Freeway, the 72nd Boulevard, and Tubman Boulevard before entering the military barrack, the Barclay Training Center (BTC).

Today’s announcement and procession marked the government’s first official confirmation of the arrival of the machines amid weeks of speculations.

The “yellow machine deal,” promoted as President Boakai’s flagship program, was first announced by Minister Mamaka Bility at the President’s first cabinet retreat in May.

Without a procurement process or legislative approval, officials announced that the deal for 285 pieces of earth-moving equipment was sealed and that the machines were loaded on a ship en route to Monrovia for distribution among Liberia’s 15 counties. This announcement sparked public outcry and raised numerous questions. The government, through Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah, later backtracked, denying that an agreement had been consummated and stating that negotiations were ongoing to procure the machines.

Since Minister Piah’s announcement, the government remained silent on the yellow machines’ saga until recently, when reports surfaced that SANY Group, the Chinese company supplying the machines, had started transporting them to Monrovia. While the government did not officially respond to the reports, some government officials and party members celebrated the arrival of the machines.

The arrival of the yellow machines has garnered mixed reactions from the public, with Boakai’s supporters backing the government, while others, including the opposition and civil society organizations, questioning the deal’s transparency.

Allegations of backdating procurement documents

This latest episode comes amid reports that the Boakai administration is maneuvering to create and backdate procurement documents with the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) to address the controversy surrounding the lack of transparency and accountability. Sources have also confirmed to FPA that funds are being made available to influence lawmakers to gain the national legislature’s approval. FPA gathered that many lawmakers are not in favor of this move and have vowed to expose it.

Despite the latest display, little has been said about the deal’s details. As the machines make their way to the BTC, the public now waits for Minister Piah, the government’s spokesperson, to provide updates on the negotiations and the arrangement under which the machines are being brought into the country.

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