—As Ministry of Transport employees, LNP and others Sensitize on laws and regulations governing ALC
Stefania Marrone, Team Leader-Cooperation within the European Union (EU) Delegation to Liberia, revealed the amount of $1,200,000 Euros, which is equivalent to US$1,267, 344.00 million has been secured for the Axle Load Control (ALC) project for Liberia.
The fund, she said, is part of a larger initiative that improves the conditions for transportation in West Africa by building a sustainable, integrated, and synchronized transport network in Liberia and its surrounding West African nations.
The axle load of a wheeled vehicle is the total weight bearing on the roadway for all wheels connected to a given axle.
Axle load is an important design consideration in the roadway and railway engineering because both are designed to withstand a maximum weight-per-axle (axle load); exceeding the maximum rated axle load will cause damage to the roadway or rail tracks.
Madam Marrone made the disclosure last Friday, June 24, at a one-day sensitization and awareness campaign held in Monrovia on the laws and regulations governing axle load control (ALC) in Liberia.
According to her, the workshop organized by consultant DAI Belgium is a requirement of the technical assistance contract and is designed to build the capacity of the Ministry of Transport staff to fully comprehend and monitor the application of the current Liberian and EOWAS legislation on ALC and to increase awareness of the benefits of reducing truck and vehicle overloading in Liberia.
Additionally, she noted, “I want to emphasize that the Ministry of Transport has already benefited from the training provided under this project by the consultant GIZ for the usage of the pick-up vehicles and of the weigh-in-motion scales.”
Madam Marrone said the government will be fully supported maintaining the road infrastructures in good conditions and consequently, improving road safety.
She claims that the trained workers will be able to keep an eye on the heavy transport on three roads, including Bo Waterside, Red Light to Ganta, and ELWA to Buchanan, in conformity with the rules and laws governing the ALC that are currently in effect in Liberia.
The EU, according to Madam Marrone, is still committed to the country’s shared goal of assisting and enhancing the development of Liberia’s infrastructure.
Marvin Sarkor, the LNP’s deputy director for operations, has committed to upholding the rules and laws controlling ALC for the sake of public and vehicular safety.
“Road safety is also part of our peace process and public safety. We cannot have unsafe trucks on our roads because it would lead to accidents. Today, road connectivity is very important because it helps free movement. “If we don’t have good roads, it impedes the movement of our people,” Sarkor said.
As with the other ECOWAS nations, Liberia, according to Atty. Martus K. W. Bangalu, Director and Deputy for the National Authorizing Officer of the EDF at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), is aided financially by the EU through the 11th EDF regional indicated program, “Support for Governance in West Africa’s Transport,” to enhance road maintenance governance and end overloading.”
Madam Bangalu said therefore sensitization and awareness campaign of the laws and regulations governing ALC in Liberia is very pertinent.
She said without sensitization and awareness of the usage, the roads will be misused and gradually deteriorate.
Deputy Minister for Land and Rail Transport at the Ministry of Transport (MOT), J. Darius Kollie, lauded the EU for its support and participants as well.
“It’s important as a line ministry to ensure that the right things are done to keep our roads safe. We have been in partnership and collaboration with the EU to ensure that the ALC program is sustained, “said Kollie.
Reported by: Senior Reporter Alvin Worzi
