Monrovia – In an effort to ease transportation challenges and improve working conditions, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has dedicated four new vehicles and six motorcycles for staff use and field operations.
By Francis G. Boayue
At a dedication ceremony held Tuesday at its newly constructed headquarters in Mamba Point, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo explained that the move comes in response to employee concerns regarding inadequate transportation options and long, arduous commutes amid low salaries.
“When we took over the EPA, we opened the corridors for our employees to speak through our integrity boxes. Among many issues, they highlighted transportation challenges,” said Dr. Yarkpawolo. “Today, I am pleased to announce that we have acquired two brand-new buses for employee transportation, one Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep for our Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Team, one Toyota Prado Jeep for our Deputy Director, and another Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep that is still pending delivery.”
He assured that all vehicles were procured in line with government regulations and the guidelines set by the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC).
Additionally, Dr. Yarkpawolo acknowledged support from the LIFT Project—led by Commerce Minister Madam Madalene Dagoseh—for donating five Yamaha motorcycles to the EPA’s inspectorate department, as well as gratitude to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for donating two motorcycles designated for operations in River Gee and Grand Kru counties.
To regulate the use of the new assets, the EPA has developed a comprehensive transport policy that covers aspects such as insurance, bus usage, motorcycle safety, and vehicle assignments. This policy is available on the EPA website for staff review.
Highlighting further progress, Dr. Yarkpawolo announced the ongoing construction of a modern USD 100,000 environmental laboratory, which is expected to bolster the agency’s capability in conducting world-class environmental data analysis.
Guest of honor, Dr. Josiah F. Joekai, Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), commended the EPA leadership. “A leader who buys a vehicle for his deputy but leaves himself out—that is true leadership,” Dr. Joekai remarked. He further noted that the agency’s efforts form part of President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, evident in the new headquarters, improved transportation, and other key developments.
Deputy Minister of Commerce Mr. Andrew Paygar-Flangiah, representing the EPA Board Chair and Policy Council chaired by Minister Dagoseh, expressed appreciation for the EPA’s commitment to institutional growth and pledged the Board’s full support.
EPA Workers’ Union President Jerry Togba also thanked the leadership for prioritizing employee welfare. “We are beyond grateful for these new vehicles. Many of us have struggled with transportation for years, and this initiative shows that our leadership is listening and acting,” Togba said. He urged staff to follow the new transport policy and properly care for the vehicles to ensure long-term benefits for the agency.
