“Venal and Nefarious” -Sen. McGill Reacts to Public Works Contract Awards; -Says US$21m Construction Contracts Unconstitutional

MONROVIA: Margibi County Senator Nathaniel F. McGill says the recent contracts awarded by the Ministry of Public Works in the sum of US$21 million smell venal, nefarious, and unconstitutional.  The Senator asserted that while he fully supports the much-needed rehabilitation and construction of roads across the country, he noted that it is imperative that these projects are executed in full compliance with the laws of Liberia.

“Today we want to bring to your attention a matter of utmost concern regarding the recent contract awarded by the Ministry of Public Works in the sum of US$21 Million have an odor of venality and nefariousness since in fact it violates Article 34(d) and subsection III which states that “no loan shall be raised or guaranteed without the authority of legislative enactment,” Senator McGill indicated.

Addressing a press conference on Monday March 18, 2024, at his Capitol Building office, the Margibi County lawmaker additionally indicated that the infringement by the Ministry on the Amended and Restated Public Procurement and Concession Act of 2005 further demonstrates a lack of adherence to the rule of law.

“It is fundamental that any government institution issuing contracts must ensure that funding is available before awarding such contracts, as outlined in the Public Financial Management (PFM) and the PPCC Act,”  which he pointed out have also place emphases on international and national open competitive bidding processes for contract ceiling for procurement of goods, services and works.

McGill explained that in the case of contracts for the procurement of goods, the amount should be US$500,000; in the case of contracts for the procurement of services, US$200,000 while in the case of contracts for the procurement of works, US$1,000,000.

According to him, the absence of an approved budget, except for the US$2,000,000 allotted for Policy Priorities (100-Day Deliverables) out of the approved US$41,000,000 requested in February, raises questions about the source of funding for these contracts awarded by the Ministry of Public Works.

“In a few days,” Senator McGill indicated, “we will seek the indulgence of the Liberian Senate to summon the Ministers of Public Works, Finance, Justice, and the Executive Director of PPCC to provide explanations for the blatant violations of the Constitution and the PPCC laws,” averred, adding that it is crucial that appropriate actions be taken to address this matter and ensure accountability, the statement concluded.