PPCC Executive Director, Peggy Varfley Meres Tours Gov’t Funded Projects in Lofa County

Madam Peggy Varfley Meres and team, in anticipation of the upcoming July 26th Celebration tour several Government funded projects alongside Ministry of Public Works to ascertain whether Government is getting value for its scarce resources.

Madam Meres says that the Public Financial Management Reform is intended to ignite new dynamics in the fabric of Liberiaís procurement system to elevate its contributions to the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS).  She further emphasized that the Commission has engaged in the process of proactively carrying out monitoring activities as a crucial part of its mandate.

Madam Executive Director further added that the Commission along with key stakeholders is in the process of developing a registry database system and this exercise was very important as it could serve as one of the means of collecting real-time data on performing and non-performing contractors.  ìThere is a need for the Commissionís presence to be felt at the local Government level, as it is a way to better educate and guide the procurement process.î

Thinking outside the box and trying to do things more efficiently so as to positively impact the process, Madam Meres and Minister Woods agreed that a joint assessment would afford her the unique opportunity to see firsthand some of the challenges experienced by MPW, one of Governmentís largest spending agencies.  In so doing, it provides better understanding and will help inform process at the policy level what kinds of interventions may be required to ensure GOL achieves maximum benefits.

During her visit, Madam Meres and team met with the Superintendent, Mr. Kortimai to discuss procurement opportunity and challenges in the County in the hopes of identifying a way forward, including training needs.  The team also met with the City Mayor and toured several rural road rehabilitation projects including the Gbarnga to Foya Road and the Voinjama City Neighborhood Roads.  Additionally, the team got to see some vertical structures being constructed for dedication during the 26th celebration, including Voinjama City Hall; Presidential Palace; National Housing Authority low income housing units; Lofa County Community College; NASSCORP Compound; and MPW Regional Office and Workshop.

ìI must say that I am very impressed with the level and quality of work that has been completed on some of the projects, especially the neighborhood roads given what existed before in comparison to what is now!î

Let me take his opportunity to remind all Government entities, including autonomous agencies/commissions that the Commission is charged with regulating all forms of public procurement and concessions in Liberia.

Some key objectives of the PPC Act include achieving transparency in the procedures processes and decisions relating to procurement and concessions agreements; Promoting integrity fairness and accountability and public confidence in the procurement process; eradicating monopolies and promoting competitiveness in the concession/procurement process and promoting economic development of Liberia, including growth of indigenous Liberian private sector.  

What does this entirely means in ìLay-manî terms?  As we strive for a better Liberia, we must all appreciate that we have to work collaboratively to continuously promote economic development of Liberia through better procurement practices.  The Commission will continue to be diligent in its efforts and proactive in its approach, while demanding accountability from our leaders.