GBARNGA—Bong County Legislative Caucus Chairman, Senator Prince K. Moye, has criticized the government for its announcement regarding the acquisition of 285 earth-moving machines, describing it as a “mistake” made by the Minister of State Without Portfolio, Mamaka Bility.
At the administration’s first cabinet retreat in Monrovia, Minister Bility announced that the equipment, including yellow machines and trucks, had already been handed over and were en route to Liberia. This announcement, accompanied by a video showing the machines emblazoned with President Joseph N. Boakai’s photo and the Liberian flag, prompted applause but also sparked concerns among the public and key figures within the Unity Party Alliance regarding the acquisition’s legitimacy.
Despite the initial pronouncement, the Boakai-Koung administration has backtracked on the deal to acquire the 285 earth-moving machines intended for road construction and maintenance. Addressing the issue for the first time, Senator Moye described the announcement as a “false impression,” questioning whom Minister Bility was attempting to impress.
Senator Moye expressed disappointment, noting that the Unity Party had heavily criticized the previous regime for similar actions. He questioned why Minister Bility would follow the same path, which could potentially mislead the public.
The Unity Party National Campaign Chairman revealed that the National Legislature has allocated 25% of the Road Funds in the current National Budget for purchasing yellow machines for all counties. He emphasized that the government has been taking steps to address critical challenges, particularly concerning road issues in the country.
Senator Moye pointed out that the pronouncement made by Minister Bility was premature. He argued that she should have waited for the machines to be in the country before making any announcements, adding, “No business as usual.”
He made these remarks during a live radio appearance in Gbarnga, Bong County.
It can be recalled that Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah struggled to clarify the situation regarding the 285 yellow machines. He stated that no final decision had been made on acquiring the equipment. “Government did not decide and has not made a decision on the earth-moving equipment. There was only a video that came out unveiling the vehicles that the government is looking at but has not decided to have yellow machines, and once it is concluded, that will be announced,” Piah said.
Minister Piah explained that the presentation by Minister Bility at the cabinet retreat was intended to showcase the government’s future plans, but no concrete decision had been made. He assured that all lawful procedures would be followed before any decision regarding the machines is finalized.
The situation has raised concerns about the administration’s communication and decision-making processes, with critics urging more caution and transparency in future announcements.
