Liberian Senate Mandates Relevant Committees to investigate MPW for Awarding Over US$21 Million Contracts to Contractors without Legislative Approval

Monrovia, Liberia – The Committees on Judiciary, Public Works, and Public Accounts and Audits of the Liberian Senate plenary have been directed to look into the Public Works Ministry’s granting of contracts worth over US$21 million to multiple firms without the approval of the legislature.

Senators Nathaniel McGill, Abraham Dillon, Gbehzongar Findley, and Simeon Taylor of Margibi, Montserrado, Grand Bassa, and Grand Cape Mount Counties, respectively, jointly sent a communication that will be considered by the plenary on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

According to the four lawmakers’ communication, several companies were given contracts worth US$21 million by the Ministry of Public Works to build and renovate roads around the nation.

Senators McGill, Dillon, Findley, and Taylor argued that, in accordance with the Public Financial Management and the PPCC Act, it is essential for any government agency that awards contracts to confirm that financing is available prior to doing so.

They state that in accordance with article 34(d) of the Liberian constitution and its subsection, as applicable, any institution wishing to enter into pre-financing agreements must first get legislative approval.

The four senators urged the Liberian Senate to stop the Ministry of Public Works from moving forward with the contracts until the legislature has approved a budget. Meanwhile, the Joint Committee is expected to report back to the full assembly within a week.