Four Yellow Machines Spark Controversy in Lofa as Presidential Committee Denies Equipment Missing

Published: November 4, 2026

VOINJAMA, Lofa County — Questions surrounding the whereabouts of four earthmoving machines allocated to Lofa County have sparked public concern, with residents demanding accountability after reports indicated that only 26 of the 30 machines announced for the county had been observed.

However, the Special Presidential Project Coordinating Committee (SPPCC), responsible for implementing the government’s 285 yellow machines initiative, has dismissed suggestions that equipment is missing, explaining that four machines allocated to Lofa are being used to support deployments in other counties.

The controversy follows an Oct. 23, 2026, ceremony in Voinjama, during which the Lofa County superintendent reportedly announced that 30 pieces of earthmoving equipment had been allocated to the county.

The announcement generated optimism among residents, who anticipated improvements in road rehabilitation, particularly in communities struggling with poor road conditions and limited access to markets.

However, subsequent reports by Voice of Lofa Radio and accounts from residents raised questions about the number of machines physically present in the county.

According to the reports, 15 machines were observed in Lower Lofa, particularly Foya District, while another 11 were identified in Upper Lofa, around Voinjama, bringing the reported total to 26.

The apparent difference between the announced allocation and the number observed prompted calls for clarification from local authorities and the committee overseeing the equipment distribution.

Among those demanding answers was S. Daniel Brown Fayaiah, who urged the county’s earthmoving equipment committee to explain the situation and ensure transparency.

“I want add my voice to the many voices calling on the earth moving equipment committee of Lofa County to speedy do all in it’s weak ways and provide the remaining machines! Let the administration be informed that we are eagerly monitoring and carrying on a daily follow-up of the process from our various distance locations and making sure that transparency is the order of the day,” Fayaiah stated.

Another resident questioned the discrepancy, arguing that taxpayers deserve a clear explanation of how the equipment has been distributed.

“We paid taxes. Our Superintendent told us 30 machines came. Foya has 15, Upper Lofa has 11. Where are the remaining 4? We deserve to know. This is not politics, this is development,” the resident said.

Edmond Kolubah Johnson, described as a Unity Party partisan in Lofa County, also raised concerns during a video interview, questioning the whereabouts of the remaining equipment.

“30 yellow machines were set for Lofa but only 26 are currently on ground,” Johnson said, before asking, “Where are the remaining yellow machines?”

Johnson called on the Special Presidential Project Coordinating Committee, headed by Brownie Samukai, to provide a detailed account of the allocation, stressing that transparency is necessary to maintain public confidence in the government’s infrastructure initiative.

The concerns prompted a response from the SPPCC, which issued a clarification on Nov. 3, 2026, denying that any equipment allocated to Lofa County was missing.

In a statement signed by its media and communications manager, Forkpayea Taylor, the committee explained that four machines from Lofa’s allocation were being used to facilitate equipment deployment in other counties.

According to the committee, the arrangement was disclosed during the official turnover ceremony and was intended to support the timely distribution of equipment across Liberia.

The SPPCC maintained that the four machines, together with equipment from other counties, were being deployed to support operations in areas awaiting their allocations.

It said the arrangement was necessary to ensure operational efficiency and prevent delays in implementing the national infrastructure development program.

The committee further assured the public that all equipment remained accounted for under its supervision and was being managed in accordance with the government’s infrastructure development plan.