spot_imgspot_img
Friday, November 8, 2024

U.S. APPLAUDS PRES. BOAKAI’S CREATION OF NATIONAL RAILWAY AUTHORITY TO BOOST LIBERIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH

Date:

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024 – The United States Embassy in Liberia has praised President Joseph Boakai for his renewed commitment to modernizing Liberia’s rail infrastructure through the establishment of the National Railway Authority (NRA). This move, formalized by Executive Order No. 136, signed on October 10, 2024, is expected to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, especially within the mining sector, while also improving passenger and goods transportation across the country.

The NRA will be responsible for overseeing Liberia’s National Rail Assets, ensuring fair, safe, and efficient use of the infrastructure by all stakeholders. According to a statement from the Executive Mansion, the establishment of the NRA is aimed at regulating access to rail systems, creating equitable opportunities for businesses, and developing a robust rail network that benefits the Liberian economy.

The creation of the NRA comes after the expiration of Executive Order No. 112, issued in October 2022, which had set the framework for rail development but lacked legislative backing. The National Rail Authority Act, which was intended to formalize the Authority’s creation, has yet to be passed by the National Legislature, prompting President Boakai to take immediate action by extending the provisions of the previous order.

Under Executive Order No. 136, the National Railway Authority is tasked with developing policies and governance rules for managing both above-rail and below-rail infrastructure. The goal is to ensure that Liberia’s rail assets are utilized efficiently and equitably by all stakeholders. To guarantee safe and efficient rail operations, the NRA will hire qualified regulators to oversee the development and use of rail systems, ensuring that all eligible users have fair access to these critical resources.

The NRA will be staffed with key officials, including a Managing Director, Deputy Managing Director for Administration, and Deputy Managing Director for Operations, all of whom will be appointed by President Boakai. These officials will spearhead the management of the nation’s rail systems and ensure the NRA operates in line with international best practices. The operations of the NRA will be sustained by fees levied on users of Liberia’s National Rail Assets, creating a sustainable financial model for rail infrastructure development.

Additionally, the NRA will be responsible for drafting the National Rail Authority Act, which will be submitted to the National Legislature for passage into law. This legislation will formalize the Authority’s role in managing and regulating Liberia’s rail infrastructure. Any conflicts arising from the implementation of this Executive Order will be resolved through arbitration under the rules of the Liberian Chamber of Commerce, ensuring legal clarity and fairness in the resolution process.

President Boakai reaffirmed that the Government’s commitment to fair and well-regulated rail infrastructure is critical to driving national development while respecting existing agreements with eligible users. He emphasized that this move aligns with Liberia’s broader goal of building a rail system that not only supports the country’s booming mining industry but also enhances economic activity through improved transportation networks.

“The extension of Executive Order No. 136 stresses the Government’s dedication to fostering a robust rail infrastructure that serves as a cornerstone of Liberia’s economic growth and public benefit,” the press statement concluded.

The U.S. Embassy’s support for the initiative reflects international confidence in Liberia’s potential for economic expansion through improved infrastructure. With mining operations and other industries reliant on efficient transportation, the NRA is expected to streamline access to these vital resources, promoting fair competition and boosting investor confidence.

As Liberia advances with this significant infrastructure project, the establishment of the NRA is seen as a crucial step in transforming the country’s transport sector, positioning the nation for sustained economic development.

Socrates Smythe Saywon
Socrates Smythe Saywon is a Liberian journalist. You can contact me at 0777425285 or 0886946925, or reach out via email at saywonsocrates@smartnewsliberia.com or saywonsocrates3@gmail.com.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT

A HOUSE DIVIDED CANNOT STAND AS MADAM GUAR CONDEMNS PROTEST ON CAPITOL

MONROVIA – Madam Grace RK Guar, a U.S.-based Liberian...

NPHIL STRENGTHENS PUBLIC HEALTH WITH NEW GENOMIC SEQUENCING AMID MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK

MONROVIA – In a groundbreaking development for Liberia’s public...

A MILESTONE FOR LIBERIA’S HIGHER EDUCATION, BUT CHALLENGES REMAIN

The launch of Liberia’s first doctoral programs at the...

BOAKAI’S MISPLACED AMBITIONS AS LIBERIA BLEEDS AND THE PRESIDENT COURTS GLOBAL VANITY

Eight months into his presidency, Joseph Boakai’s administration is...

TAKE IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF MPOX – STAY ALERT, STAY PROTECTED

As Liberia confronts the resurgence of Mpox, the confirmation...

NO JUSTIFICATION FOR HIGH SALARIES OF BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS AMID ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

In the midst of Liberia's current economic struggles, revelations...

COMMENTARY

THE MASS DISMISSAL OF LIBERIAN PUBLIC SERVANTS: A TROUBLING TREND UNDER THE BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION

A Commentary by Wondah L. Jah Since assuming the presidency,...

SECURITY RISKS: IS PRESIDENT BOAKAI UNKNOWINGLY SETTING THE STAGE FOR EARLY COUP D’ÉTAT?

In his commentary, Liberian political analyst Vandalerk R. Patricks...

IS JOSEPH BOAKAI LISTENING TO PROTESTS AROUND AFRICA?

A Commentary By Wondah L. Jah In January, Joseph Boakai,...

LATEST NEWS

ECONOMIST LABELS BOAKAI’S INFRASTRUCTURE DEAL A “SCAM”

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Boakai administration's recent announcement of...

JOHN SEMBE MORLU, II—BOAKAI’S MISSING ARROW

Analysis By Zayzay M. Kpadeh The radical language and overly...

PRESIDENT WEAH HEADS US,EU TRAVEL BAN, ASSETS FREEZE LIST

MONROVIA - Smart News Liberia reported some two months...

HOR DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY ON EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENT PROCUREMENT, SUMMONS KEY OFFICIALS

MONROVIA - In a significant move towards ensuring government...

Share post:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

OPINION

LIBERIANS ARE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UP AND CDC

  An Opinion By Grace RK Guar Every six...

AMERICA’S NEGLECT OF LIBERIA: A CALL FOR CHANGE

An Opinion By Bishop Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr A...

AMID AN UNENDING WAR AGAINST POVERTY, INJUSTICES – HAS THE PROGRESSIVE STRUGGLE BECOME LOST IN TRANSLATION?

A Patriot's Diary With Ekena Wesley What manner of Liberian progressives...

HAS PRESIDENT BOAKAI’S GOVERNMENT BEGUN BEARING GOOD FRUITS? (PART1)

By Jacob N.B. Parley Following a careful reflection, I have...

ELEVATING THE AG BIBLE COLLEGE TO A UNIVERSITY: A MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT

By Jacob N.B. Parley After many years of successful preaching...

THE GALLERY

spot_imgspot_img

MORE ARTICLES

spot_imgspot_img

MORE NEWS

LATEST DEVELOPMENT NEWS

LATEST CRIME NEWS

Share via
Copy link