Monrovia – In a recent statement, Senator Amara Konneh expressed his thoughts on the acquisition of several pieces of earth-moving equipment for use by Liberia. While acknowledging the positive impact this initiative could have on Liberia’s development, Senator Konneh emphasized the need for full disclosure regarding the procurement process and financing of these machines.
Senator Konneh highlighted the lack of information provided by the relevant authorities and expressed his disappointment in their failure to respond to his inquiries. He called for transparency regarding the cost of the equipment, which could amount to over $30 million, and questioned how the previous administration raised the necessary funds. Referencing past scandals, Senator Konneh stressed the importance of adhering to international Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism frameworks and conducting due diligence on all counterparties involved in procurement and investments.
The senator also raised concerns about the nature of the partners involved in this acquisition. He questioned whether they were private or state-owned entities and whether the resources provided were bilateral or multilateral. Senator Konneh emphasized that even if this was a grant, the conditions associated with the grantor could have economic and political implications for Liberia.
Another aspect Senator Konneh addressed was the alignment of this deal with Liberia’s debt and risk profile. He urged the government to clarify whether the financing agreement was concessional or non-concessional, the terms of repayment, and whether the repayment amount was budgeted. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of considering exchange rate risk, as fluctuations in the Liberian Dollar could impact the cost of debt servicing.
Senator Konneh also questioned the absorptive capacity of Liberia for such a large influx of equipment. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive assessment justifying the deployment of this massive fleet and the allocation of 19 units to each county. Drawing parallels to the challenges faced by medical facilities with advanced equipment but insufficient staff, he urged the government to consider the capacity of qualified personnel for both road and asset maintenance and repair. He called for standardized governance structures, reporting mechanisms, and a decentralized approach to road development.
The senator emphasized the importance of transparency in the procurement process associated with this deal. Citing the need to prevent corruption, he called for a thorough examination of whether the acquisition met the provisions of Liberia’s Public Procurement and Concession Act.
While Senator Konneh commended the Boakai Administration’s efforts towards road construction and rural development, he stressed the need to ensure that the right procedures and standards are followed to avoid wasting limited resources. He highlighted the importance of open government and urged the current administration to provide answers to his questions, demonstrating the high level of competence within the Liberian bureaucracy.
Senator Konneh’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, good governance, and the responsible use of resources in Liberia’s development. The concerns raised by the senator are crucial in ensuring that the acquisition of earth-moving equipment aligns with the best interests of the Liberian People.
