By Seltue Karweaye Sr
Recent demonstrations at the Ministry of Transport highlight significant concerns raised by disgruntled employees regarding the government’s decision to outsource essential functions. According to these employees, “The Ministry of Transport generates approximately US$9.1 million annually; however, the Lebanese company awarded the current contract will only contribute US$1.5 million to Liberia.” The spokesperson argued that over a projected 25-year period, the Lebanese company (LTM) is anticipated to contribute a total of US$40 million to the Liberian government, while the Ministry of Transport is expected to generate an impressive US$225 million during the same timeframe. If this information is accurate, it is unacceptable for the nation’s economic well-being.
Are policymakers adequately considering the long-term implications of their actions for Liberia’s future? Instead of strengthening local capacity, they seem to be celebrating the outsourcing of critical governmental responsibilities to foreign corporations. This raises important questions: Why are we outsourcing fundamental government functions that are crucial for our national development? Companies such as APM Terminal and Midtech have effectively assumed essential roles previously managed by the Freeport of Monrovia and the Liberia Revenue Authority due to this shift towards privatization and outsourcing.
Moreover, our policymakers need to recognize that one of the contributing factors to our recent budget shortfalls is our diminishing capability to generate sufficient domestic revenue. Outsourcing these core government functions is not only undermining local governance but is also resulting in substantial financial losses, as a significant portion of our generated revenues is funneled to these foreign firms. This situation necessitates an urgent reevaluation of our approach to governance and revenue generation to ensure a sustainable economic future for Liberia.
What actions should the government of Liberia take to enhance public safety and motor vehicle management? First and foremost, it is crucial to establish the Liberia Department of Public Safety and Motor Vehicles (LDPSMV) through comprehensive legislation. This dedicated agency should be entrusted with several vital responsibilities: overseeing vehicle registration, issuing license plates, providing vehicle titles, and administering driver’s licenses.
To ensure effective operations, the Liberian government should prioritize the recruitment and training of new personnel while also retaining experienced staff from the Ministry of Transport. These individuals, who possess specialized knowledge in areas such as driver licensing, vehicle registration, and plate issuance, should seamlessly transition to the newly created LDPSMV. Their expertise will be invaluable in maintaining a high standard of service and efficiency.
By internalizing these essential government functions rather than outsourcing them to private companies that profit substantially, the LDPSMV can operate sustainably. The resources allocated for outsourcing could instead be used to compensate LDPSM employees, enabling them to contribute to the nation’s economy through income tax payments. This approach not only retains funds within the government but also fosters a sense of public service among employees.
Moreover, to improve accessibility and responsiveness, the Department of Public Safety and Motor Vehicles should consider decentralizing its operations. Establishing regional offices in each county would enable the issuance of county-specific driver’s and vehicle licenses. This initiative would enhance local identification and streamline the management of motor vehicle records. Such decentralization would not only facilitate better public access to essential services but also enhance national security measures by providing authorities with improved tracking capabilities for licenses issued nationwide.
In summary, instead of outsourcing Liberia’s traffic management system, the proactive establishment of the Liberia Department of Public Safety and Motor Vehicles, along with the hiring of dedicated personnel and the decentralization of services, will significantly contribute to the efficiency, safety, and revenue generation necessary for Liberia’s development. I rest my pen.
