Ganta – The Ministry of Public Works, with support from the National Roads Fund, has launched a nationwide training program targeting 150 community-based organizations (CBOs) across seven counties to resume maintenance work on federal roads.

By D. Franklin Doloquee
doloqueefranklin@frontpageafrica.com 

The initiative, unveiled at a press conference in Ganta, aims to restore road maintenance operations that had stalled since 2021 due to logistical and administrative setbacks. 

Director Christopher M. Blamonh said the refresher training would equip CBOs with the technical skills needed to carry out road repairs, safety procedures, and basic project management.

“These organizations are set to receive refresher training, which will empower them to effectively resume maintenance work on several federal roads constructed through the support of the Swedish government and other international partners,” said Blamonh.

CBOs participating in the program previously maintained rural road networks and will now take on responsibility for roads in Lofa, Bong, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, River Gee, and other counties. 

The effort is expected to improve transport efficiency and boost rural economies by enhancing farm-to-market road conditions.

Blamonh said the ministry is prioritizing maintenance efforts ahead of the rainy season, and that materials and tools for the work have been allocated and will soon be distributed. Tasks include clearing roadside brush, repairing culverts, and stabilizing key access routes.

He added that funding from the National Roads Fund continues to support the ministry’s rural infrastructure agenda, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.

“Our objective is not only to restore the functionality of these roads but also to empower local communities, creating jobs and fostering economic growth,” Blamonh stated.

During the closing ceremony of the refresher training in Nimba County, CBO representatives praised the initiative. Thirty-three groups were trained in Nimba, along with 22 in Bong County. Representatives Princess Nehmah and Oretha Wehyee expressed optimism that the training would open up new work opportunities.

“This training gives us a better understanding of roadwork and prepares us for more assignments with the Ministry of Public Works,” said Nehmah.

Participants said previous training had enabled them to gain contracts from the ministry and welcomed the renewal of their involvement.

The Ministry of Public Works said it will continue to engage local organizations in road upkeep, positioning the CBOs as key partners in sustaining Liberia’s road infrastructure.

Monrovia – A summary report on the General Auditing Commission report of the Ministry of Public works for the year 2010-2013 has held the Ministry liable of discrepancy between performance and actual expenditure per budget (Roads and Bridges) and Non-Provision of delivery notes and invoices.

The GAC report has also accused the Ministry of increment in the Bopolu to Belle Yallah road project cost. The report also holds the MPW for the lack of performance guarantee, where contracts were awarded using single source procurement methods and increment in the cost of the Tuzon and Gbarblor towns’ road Project.

The GAC report of the Ministry also claimed that unspecified cost noted on the BOQ of the Sanniquellie to Tiayee Feeder Road Project and contracts awarded to non-bidder and discrepancies noted in the resettlement Action plan where structures were paid for but not demolished involving a disputed RAP payment.

The GAC in its recommendation called for the comptroller, Abraham Samukai to provide substantive justification for the variance of US$ 13,391,713.47 between MPW performance report and the actual expenditure reported in the National Budget for the period 2010/2011.

In response to the GAC claims, the Public Works Ministry 2010/2011 budget performance report submitted to the GAC shows that amount of US$11,224,305.53 (even Million two hundred twenty four, three hundred five united states dollars fifty three cents) was earmarked for roads and bridges  under the core budget.

In further response, Mr. Samukai said, signed payroll for casual workers in the amount of US$201, 2085. The Ministry of Public works submitted to the original delivery notes to the ministry of Finance and Development planning along with vouchers before payment was made.

“However copies of the delivery can be traced on documents previously submitted to GAC during the first three fiscal years audit that are still in the office given the GAC during the audit.

It is important to note that the decision to request sole source for specific project is made by the members of the procurement committee,” Samukai said in his response.

In other part of the report, the GAC is recommending that former Deputy Public Works Minister for Technical services, Victor B. Smith provide substantive justification for issuing “letter to Proceed” to PEALAT Construction Company in violation of section 65, subsection 1 of the PPCA for the extra work at a cost of US$5,114,954.54 on the Bopolu-Belle Yallah road.

In response to the GAC report Smith said, in as much as this may sound true on paper, it represents an ideal case where the Ministry of MPW has all the necessary well trained highway, geotechnical, structural, environment engineers and trained inspectors along with all the necessary tool to conduct the study and envelop a full project documents for implementation.

Three fiscal years, 2009/2010-2011/2012 was reviewed by the GAC. A copy was given the President and those concerned. The finding of the report was in the interest of the MPW administration.

Subsequently and upon receipt of the report, the President officially mandated the GAC to perform another audit of the MPW, this time procurement and financial audit in the same month the first report was completed.

The MDFP told GAC that all payments processed by the accounting services unit (ASU) are subject to compliance check. These payments are reviewed to ensure that Public Financial management (PFM) regulations governing transaction are met.

In the ministry’s statement, it said, the payment of vouchers for goods and services are supported by relevant documents such as delivery notes; invoices logs etc.

Henry Jarmo (0886522495) henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline.com