MONROVIA – The Senate Public Accounts and Audits Committee (PAC) has called for a joint appearance by the Ministry of Public Works and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) as lawmakers intensify oversight of an investigation into a US$990,000 chip seal road project in Gbarpolu County that was allegedly abandoned after substantial public funds were disbursed.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
The decision followed a consultative meeting held on July 14, during which the LACC briefed the committee on its ongoing investigation into the 2.9-kilometer chip seal road project in Bopolu City, awarded to YSM, Inc.
According to a statement issued by the committee, the LACC provided lawmakers with an overview of the complaint, the investigative process, preliminary findings, and recommendations arising from its probe.
The Commission said the investigation was launched after the Ministry of Public Works lodged a complaint alleging that the contractor abandoned the project despite receiving significant payments from the government.
During the meeting, members of the committee questioned LACC officials on the legal, financial, and technical aspects of the investigation, seeking clarification on issues surrounding the execution of the project and the Commission’s findings.
The committee commended the LACC for conducting the investigation but emphasized that any legislative action must be supported by credible technical evidence.
Recognizing the engineering complexities of road construction, the committee unanimously agreed to invite the Ministry of Public Works to appear alongside the LACC to provide an independent technical assessment of the project and advise lawmakers on the appropriate course of action.
“The Committee believes that obtaining the professional opinion of the Ministry of Public Works will strengthen its oversight function and facilitate informed recommendations that promote accountability, transparency, and the prudent management of public resources,” the statement said.
The committee also took note of several preliminary recommendations presented by the LACC, including engaging an independent engineering firm to conduct a value-for-money assessment of the project, intensifying efforts to locate the contractor, and carrying out a joint technical verification exercise involving engineers from the Ministry of Public Works to determine the actual percentage of work completed against the contract specifications.
The Senate PAC, chaired by Gbarpolu County Senator Amara M. Konneh, said it remains committed to exercising its constitutional oversight responsibilities and will continue working with integrity institutions and relevant government agencies to ensure accountability in the management of public resources.
The committee assured residents of Gbarpolu County and the broader public that it will pursue the matter to its conclusion and provide updates as the investigation progresses.
The statement added that all actions taken by the committee will be guided by due process, fairness, and the rule of law.
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