Monrovia — The Government of Liberia has defended its decision to procure road construction equipment from China, insisting that U.S.-made Caterpillar machines exceeded the approved budget ceiling, even as a written directive from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai appears to contradict that explanation—raising fresh questions about whether the President’s expressed preference was ignored.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The Ministry of Public Works recently announced that 134 earth-moving machines, the first batch of a planned 285-unit national fleet, are nearing arrival in Liberia. The equipment includes bulldozers, excavators, low-bed trailers, fuel tankers, water tankers, service trucks, and utility pickup trucks, and is intended to strengthen road rehabilitation and maintenance nationwide.
The ambitious yellow machines initiative dates back to 2024, when the Government of Liberia first sought to acquire a fleet of earth-moving and road maintenance equipment to strengthen its ability to construct and rehabilitate infrastructure without heavy reliance on private contractors. The equipment—collectively referred to in government circles as yellow machines due to their distinctive color common to major construction brands—was envisioned as a cornerstone of Liberia’s road maintenance program.
The initiative gained early momentum but soon became embroiled in controversy following an initial arrangement spearheaded by Minister of State without Portfolio Mamaka Bility.
That early arrangement, which centered on sourcing equipment through foreign intermediaries under financing and supply terms that were not fully disclosed to the public, sparked internal disagreements within government and concerns among stakeholders about procurement transparency, value for money, and compliance with the Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCA). Critics questioned the lack of competitive bidding and clarity around pricing, payment terms, and long-term maintenance obligations.
As a result of the backlash and unresolved concerns, the initial arrangement stalled. By early 2025, President Boakai mandated Vice President Jeremiah Koung to chair a Special Committee on Road Maintenance, Rehabilitation and Financing, tasking him to renegotiate the procurement, review earlier proposals, and ensure the acquisition met standards of cost-effectiveness, durability, training, and legal compliance.
The directive to VP Koung was widely interpreted as an effort to restore credibility to the process through fresh evaluations and negotiations. FPA gathered that it was during this renegotiation phase that multiple bids were reassessed, alongside discussions on payment plans, operator training, and long-term maintenance.
Officials from the Office of the Vice President and the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) told FrontPage Africa that Caterpillar equipment—widely regarded as the industry standard for durability—was considered but ultimately rejected because its pricing allegedly exceeded the government’s spending ceiling.
“Caterpillar would have been the best option in terms of durability,” a senior government official said, “but the cost was too high. We had to make a fiscally responsible decision that allows us to acquire more equipment within the available budget.”
President’s Letter Tells a Different Story
However, a letter from President Boakai addressed to Vice President Jeremiah Koung, who chaired the Special Committee on the procurement of the equipment, presents a sharply different account.
In the correspondence, President Boakai outlined the prices submitted to him: SANY – US$22 million; Shantui – US$27 million; and Caterpillar – US$24 million. The President argued that Caterpillar’s higher price did not outweigh its long-term value.
“I note that Caterpillar’s universal renown and reputation for durability makes insignificant the price differential with the lowest bidder,” President Boakai wrote. He further highlighted Caterpillar’s offer to train 1,000 Liberians to operate and maintain the equipment as a major advantage.
The President went further, stating unequivocally:
“I accordingly interpose no objection to the selection of Caterpillar and direct that you proceed to conclude the acquisition of the equipment, as further delay would impact government’s credibility.”
He also referenced the importance of a favorable payment plan and instructed officials to engage Mr. Gumede, whom he said had initiated the project in good faith.
Procurement Proceeds Despite Presidential Endorsement
Despite the President’s directive, the government proceeded with the selection of Evergreen Import and Export (Liberia) Corporation, a Chinese-linked firm, which is sourcing the equipment from SHANTUI Company in China. Several reviews followed, including a 2025 delegation to China led by Vice President Koung.
The government maintains that all procurement procedures were followed and that the decision was guided by cost-effectiveness and fiscal responsibility, noting that the selected equipment meets required technical standards while enabling Liberia to acquire a larger fleet within budget constraints.
Officials say the procurement is part of the Boakai administration’s broader infrastructure agenda aimed at rehabilitating major road corridors, improving internal connectivity, and reducing dependence on private contractors for routine road maintenance.
PPCC Grants “No Objection”
The Ministry of Public Works disclosed that the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) granted a formal “No Objection,” clearing the way for the contract award.
In a letter dated August 20, 2025, addressed to Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings, the PPCC approved the award for the supply of 285 earth-moving machines and 20 utility pickup trucks at an estimated cost of US$21,646,035. The Commission said its approval followed a thorough review and confirmed compliance with Section 31 of the Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCA) of 2010.
“The Commission hereby grants approval to the Ministry of Public Works to award the contract to Evergreen Import and Export (Liberia) Corporation,” the PPCC stated, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
Procurement Timeline Revealed
While much of the information was not initially disclosed to the public, FrontPage Africa has reviewed a procurement matrix outlining the process:
- June 2, 2025: Eight firms invited to bid
- June 12, 2025: Bid deadline extended to June 30
- June 30, 2025: Three bids submitted and opened
- July 10, 2025: Bid Evaluation Committee constituted
- July 16, 2025: Evaluation commenced
- August 4, 2025: Evaluation report submitted
- August 11, 2025: Committee endorsed report
- August 13, 2025: MPW sought PPCC “No Objection”
- August 20, 2025: PPCC approval granted
- August 27, 2025: Contract negotiations began
Contract Value and Delivery
Following negotiations, MPW signed a final contract valued at US$21,040,055, slightly below the initial estimate. The document revealed that Evergreen is required to supply the full batch of equipment, including spare parts and related services, within 120 days of the contract’s effective date.
The PPCC reminded MPW that all contracts above the statutory threshold must be signed by the Minister of Finance and attested by the Minister of Justice, with copies submitted to the Commission.
Equipment Nears Arrival
MPW confirmed last week that the first shipment is being prepared for departure. Deputy Minister for Technical Services Prince D. Tambah is currently in China with the Ministry’s Director of the Mobile Division to supervise loading.
It stated that the vessel is scheduled to depart on January 15, 2026, with an estimated 45–50-day voyage to the Free Port of Monrovia. The first shipment includes 19 bulldozers, 19 excavators, 19 low-bed trailers, 19 fuel tankers, 19 water tankers, 19 service trucks, and 20 utility pickup trucks.
Upon arrival, the equipment will undergo GSA coding and registration before immediate deployment to counties. A second shipment carrying the remaining machines is expected later in January, the ministry said.
Public Reaction and Lingering Questions
The announcement has been welcomed, particularly in leeward counties, where residents say the equipment will significantly improve road access. However, the President’s letter has fueled debate over policy coherence, internal coordination, and decision-making authority within the Boakai administration.
While government officials insist the final decision was driven by budgetary realities, critics argue the contradiction between official explanations and the President’s written approval raises serious concerns.
As the long-awaited machines head toward Liberia, a central question continues to linger:
Was President Boakai’s choice ignored?
