Liberia’s Works Minister Roland Giddings froze on the senate floor Tuesday when he failed to outline clearly the government’s plans to address deplorable road conditions across the country.
By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia, Liberia, October 31, 2024, Liberia’s Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings wore a short face Tuesday, October 29, 2024, during a senate hearing when he failed to address deplorable road conditions across the country and the government’s effort to address these conditions with a timeline immediately.
Speaking during the 41st day sitting of the first session of the 55th Legislature on the invitation of that August Body, Minister Giddings presented to lawmakers briefing notes, which failed to capture road projects with timeline.
The Senate had invited him to address, among other things, the deteriorating roads to Rivergee County, particularly the Tienpo-Nyonken road, which includes a damaged bridge connecting several towns and villages.
Also, the briefing notes presented or distributed among senators didn’t include roads and projects within the ministry’s budget for which the Liberian Senate appropriated US$35 million.
Providing defense, Minister Giddings apologized to the senate and promised to embark on robust road construction in the dry season.
According to him, Lofa County roads, particularly Salayea-Manekoyma road, are deplorable because contractors left the road almost a year ago due to a lack of funds disbursement. He added that the Government of Liberia owes contractors US$11 million.
“On the issue that has to do with the US$22 million for the President’s hundred days’ deliverables, the initial disbursement was US$8.9 million. Today, only 2% of contractors have reached a milestone. An additional US$1 million has been disbursed. So, now it’s US$9.9 million out of the entire US$22 million I have spoken about. Our problem has been the rainy season, and I want to assure you that within this dry season, we will do much”, the works minister assures.
Commenting on the amount allotted to the Ministry of Public Work, he said they were allotted US$35 million in the National Budget. Still, they have received US$5 million from the Ministry of Finance plus another allotment of US$1.2 million to recondition potholes littering the streets of Monrovia.
He further assured Liberians and the Senate that they would have more robust road construction work across the country while appealing to the Senate to give him some time, especially as the country moved into the dry season.
Minister Giddings expressed regret to the senate for not attaching a timeline to targeted projects they are expected to undertake, adding that he takes note of the recommendation and will ensure it’s done.
“I want to apologize for the deplorable road conditions across the country. Also, we have marked too many projects, and those projects will be undertaken during this dry season. I’m kindly asking you people to give me time. We will attach timelines to those projects because I’m aware that you want to know how long and when we will finish,” he stated.
He revealed that a Ministry of Public Works team will inspect Bushrod Island Road and several other roads that are waiting for construction and rehabilitation in the coming days. Editing by Jonathan Browne
