The National Transit Authority (NTA) is facing imminent collapse due to poor management, leading to a significant number of buses owned by the organization being out of service for an extended period.
The NTA, established in 2009, is responsible for providing
affordable, convenient, and reliable mass transit services to the people of
Liberia. Initially known as the Monrovia Transit Authority (MTA), it was formed
in 1977 as a department of the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) to cater to the
transportation needs of Monrovia residents.
During the administration of former President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf in 2015, the NTA received 20 buses as a gift from the Turkish
government. However, the current management claims that they inherited only 15
operational buses from the previous government.
Additionally, the NTA received a donation of 45 buses from
the Government of India through its former Honorary Consul General to Liberia,
Mr. Upjit Singh, making a total of approximately 60 functioning buses in the
NTA's possession.
Despite the significant number of buses, the availability of
these vehicles for providing affordable transportation services to the Liberian
people remains scarce. Sources within the organization suggest that almost all
of the donated buses are currently out of service, severely impacting the NTA's
ability to generate revenue for its operations and meet its financial
obligations, including employee salaries and contractor payments.
Concerned citizens have expressed their frustration over the
scarcity of buses at various parking points in Monrovia and other parts of the
country. The blame for this situation has been placed on the current management
team, led by Mr. Herbie McCauley, for their failure to effectively and
efficiently fulfill their assigned tasks and responsibilities.
The Liberian Senate has initiated an investigation into the
absence of NTA buses on various routes in Monrovia and other parts of the
country. This decision follows the concerns raised by River Gee County Senator
Jonathan Sogbie.
Financial challenges also plague the NTA, as it has
accumulated significant debts to its service providers. Just last month, the
Debt Court ordered the closure of the NTA for allegedly owing Thunder Bird
Corporation US$105,202.33 for lubricant supplies. The court directed the seizure
and potential sale of NTA assets and interests, with the Managing Director,
Herbie McCauley, being held accountable. The court's order has yet to be
implemented, and it is unclear whether the matter has been resolved through
other means.
There have been allegations of irregularities within the
NTA, including the unilateral replacement of the former Comptroller by Mr.
McCauley, who is accused of requesting funds generated from the buses to be
delivered to his residence instead of the NTA compound. These leaked recordings
prompted an investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
Furthermore, Mr. McCauley's appointment as the Managing
Director of the NTA expired, raising questions about the process of his
appointment and the lack of a recommendation for his re-appointment from the
Board of Directors. The delay in appointing additional board members by
President George Manneh Weah has further prolonged Mr. McCauley's stay at the
NTA without a permanent contract. Presently, only two statutory members serve
on the Board, while two others have not been replaced or considered for
reappointment.
In response to the criticisms and allegations, Mr. McCauley
defended himself by stating that he cannot be held liable for serving the NTA
without the renewal of his contract by the Board.
He claimed to have written multiple letters to President
Weah expressing concern over the matter. He also mentioned that the NTA has not
received any funding from the Ministry of Finance since August 2022, which has
contributed to the grounding of the buses.
Regarding the grounded buses, Mr. McCauley acknowledged that
some of them are out of service because spare parts are not readily available.
He explained that the engines of the buses donated by India were scheduled for
overhaul after a three-year period, which has already expired.
To extend their lifespan, these buses require refurbishment
and engine overhauls, which are currently pending due to funding constraints.
He emphasized that the NTA is awaiting the release of its allocation from the
Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to address this issue.
Despite generating revenue, the NTA does not contribute to
the National Budget. Transportation fares collected by the NTA are primarily
utilized for maintenance, tire and battery purchases, and employee and
contractor payments.
The dire state of the NTA has resulted in significant
hardships for Liberians, particularly those who rely on affordable public
transportation. Many citizens are forced to spend substantial amounts on
transportation fares for commercial buses or taxis, which often charge
exorbitant prices. This situation compounds the economic burdens faced by the
populace, given the already high prices of basic commodities and rampant
unemployment.
The underlying causes of the NTA's poor performance include
friendship, cronyism, and political accommodation, which hinder efficient
service delivery and accountability among public officials. The current
management team, led by Mr. McCauley, has been heavily criticized for their
lackluster approach and inadequate execution of their responsibilities.If the
issues plaguing the NTA, including mismanagement and the concentration of power
in a single individual, are not promptly addressed, the organization is at risk
of collapse or bankruptcy. This would further impede its ability to settle
outstanding debts and fulfill its financial obligations, including employee
salaries and contractor payments in the coming months.
0 comments:
Post a Comment