Liberia: Nationwide Transit Authority Going through Imminent Collapse

The Nationwide Transit Authority (NTA) is going through imminent collapse as a consequence of poor administration, resulting in a big variety of buses owned by the group being out of service for an prolonged interval.

The NTA, established in 2009, is accountable for offering inexpensive, handy, and dependable mass transit companies to the folks of Liberia. Initially often known as the Monrovia Transit Authority (MTA), it was fashioned in 1977 as a division of the Monrovia Metropolis Company (MCC) to cater to the transportation wants of Monrovia residents.

Through the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2015, the NTA obtained 20 buses as a present from the Turkish authorities. Nevertheless, the present administration claims that they inherited solely 15 operational buses from the earlier authorities.

Moreover, the NTA obtained a donation of 45 buses from the Authorities of India by way of its former Honorary Consul Common to Liberia, Mr. Upjit Singh, making a complete of roughly 60 functioning buses within the NTA’s possession.

Regardless of the numerous variety of buses, the provision of those automobiles for offering inexpensive transportation companies to the Liberian folks stays scarce. Sources throughout the group recommend that nearly the entire donated buses are at present out of service, severely impacting the NTA’s skill to generate income for its operations and meet its monetary obligations, together with worker salaries and contractor funds.

Involved residents have expressed their frustration over the shortage of buses at numerous parking factors in Monrovia and different elements of the nation. The blame for this case has been positioned on the present administration staff, led by Mr. Herbie McCauley, for his or her failure to successfully and effectively fulfill their assigned duties and tasks.

The Liberian Senate has initiated an investigation into the absence of NTA buses on numerous routes in Monrovia and different elements of the nation. This choice follows the issues raised by River Gee County Senator Jonathan Sogbie.

Monetary challenges additionally plague the NTA, because it has collected vital money owed to its service suppliers. Simply final month, the Debt Court docket ordered the closure of the NTA for allegedly owing Thunder Chicken Company US$105,202.33 for lubricant provides. The courtroom directed the seizure and potential sale of NTA property and pursuits, with the Managing Director, Herbie McCauley, being held accountable. The courtroom’s order has but to be carried out, and it’s unclear whether or not the matter has been resolved by way of different means.

There have been allegations of irregularities throughout the NTA, together with the unilateral alternative of the previous Comptroller by Mr. McCauley, who’s accused of requesting funds generated from the buses to be delivered to his residence as a substitute of the NTA compound. These leaked recordings prompted an investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Fee (LACC).

Moreover, Mr. McCauley’s appointment because the Managing Director of the NTA expired, elevating questions in regards to the means of his appointment and the shortage of a suggestion for his re-appointment from the Board of Administrators. The delay in appointing further board members by President George Manneh Weah has additional extended Mr. McCauley’s keep on the NTA with out a everlasting contract. Presently, solely two statutory members serve on the Board, whereas two others haven’t been changed or thought-about for reappointment.

In response to the criticisms and allegations, Mr. McCauley defended himself by stating that he can’t be held chargeable for serving the NTA with out the renewal of his contract by the Board.

He claimed to have written a number of letters to President Weah expressing concern over the matter. He additionally talked about that the NTA has not obtained any funding from the Ministry of Finance since August 2022, which has contributed to the grounding of the buses.

Relating to the grounded buses, Mr. McCauley acknowledged that a few of them are out of service as a result of spare elements are usually not available. He defined that the engines of the buses donated by India have been scheduled for overhaul after a three-year interval, which has already expired.

To increase their lifespan, these buses require refurbishment and engine overhauls, that are at present pending as a consequence of funding constraints. He emphasised that the NTA is awaiting the discharge of its allocation from the Ministry of Finance and Growth Planning to deal with this difficulty.

Regardless of producing income, the NTA doesn’t contribute to the Nationwide Price range. Transportation fares collected by the NTA are primarily utilized for upkeep, tire and battery purchases, and worker and contractor funds.