Wednesday, August 6

The House of Representatives has formally written to President Joseph Boakai, urging him to suspend key provisions in the government’s concession agreement with the Liberia Traffic Management (LTM) company.

This move follows similar action by the Liberian Senate, which recently called for the complete suspension of LTM’s operations.

While the Senate has demanded a total halt to the company’s activities, the House is focusing on specific areas of concern.

In its August 4 letter signed by Chief Clerk Mildred N. Sayon, the House leadership requested that President Boakai suspend sections of the agreement relating to vehicle registrations, driver’s licenses, and license plate issuances.

Lawmakers say the temporary measure is necessary to pave the way for a thorough investigation and review of the concession deal.

The House’s request stems from a report by the Joint Committee on Transport and Investment & Concessions, which was tasked with probing complaints from the Liberian transport sector.

These petitions included grievances from employees of the Ministry of Transport who have expressed dissatisfaction over the agreement’s implementation.

Legislators emphasized that the decision was carefully deliberated and endorsed by the House leadership, signalling a commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of concession agreements.

The move comes amid growing discontent among stakeholders in the transport sector, many of whom view the deal as detrimental to Liberia’s sovereignty and security.

Liberians criticizing the deal argue that allowing foreign control over critical aspects of state-regulated transport functions undermines national interests.

In recent weeks, protests have erupted among the Ministry of Transport workers and commercial drivers, amplifying calls for the government to reconsider its partnership with LTM.

The unfolding standoff now places increased pressure on the Executive Branch to act in response to mounting public and legislative concerns.

Workers at the Ministry see this as a point of redundancy, while taxi drivers are claiming that the deal is leading to an increase in these fees.

Share.

Zac Tortiamah Sherman is the Director of News and Editor-in-Chief at DN News in Liberia. He was born on April 13, 1994, in District #3, Grand Bassa County. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Management with a minor in Entrepreneurship from the University of Liberia (UL). With over a decade of experience in journalism, Sherman also holds several professional certificates and has undergone multiple trainings in the field. Sherman’s media career began at LACSA Radio 92.5 FM in Grand Bassa County, where he served as an announcer, reporter, and newscaster. He later worked with SKY FM/TV in Monrovia as a reporter and newscaster, and then joined KMTV Liberia, where he rose to the position of News Director. He also had a brief stint with the Oracle News Daily and served as Sub-Editor at Verity Newspaper, owned by exiled activist Martin K. N. Kollie. Beyond journalism, Sherman is deeply involved in community and youth development. He has led numerous initiatives focused on youth empowerment, sports, and advocacy. He currently serves as a Community Youth Chairperson and currently holds the position of District #8 Youth Coordinator, Montserrado County.

Leave A Reply

Exit mobile version