Here are five negative facts related to the yellow machines’ saga in Liberia:
- Lack of Proper Structuring:
- The agreement for procuring 285 earthmoving machines (commonly referred to as “yellow machines”) from the SANY Group in China was not properly structured.
- There is no legally binding agreement, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
- Conflicting Announcements:
- The Boakai-Koung administration initially announced that the machines had already been turned over and were en route to Liberia, accompanied by a video showing the equipment with President Boakai’s photos and the Liberian flag.
- However, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah later clarified that no final decision had been made, and lawful procedures would be followed before any official announcement.
- The conflicting statements created confusion and eroded public trust.
- Potential Kickbacks:
- Sources suggest that the yellow machines were likely financed by a controversial businessman in South Africa, Robert Gumede, whose company is called Gijima as a potential kickback for a favorable granting of concession of Liberia’s only reserved mountain for future generation use, the Wologisi Mountain by the Boakai-Koung Government.
- The perception of favoritism and potential corruption is damaging.
- Undisclosed Costs:
- The estimated cost of acquiring the yellow machines ranges from $30 to $50 million.
- However, the lack of transparency regarding the exact cost and financing arrangements raises suspicions.
- Political Controversy:
- President Boakai tasked Minister Mamaka Bility with negotiating a deal worth between US$30 million and US$50 Million on behalf of the government.
- The involvement of high-ranking officials and the use of presidential imagery in the handover ceremony fueled political controversy.
- Critics argue that such deals should prioritize public interest over political gains.
- The lack of proper protocols on the usage and maintenance of the machines, as well as the need for such a huge quantity in a country with a record of poor public infrastructure management.
The yellow machines saga highlights governance challenges, financial opacity, and the need for robust oversight in infrastructure procurement in Liberia.
Keep following Kukatonon News for more information on the Yellow Machines saga.
Liberian-born Emmanuel Orlind Cooper is an accomplished multimedia journalist with extensive experience covering news and stories on a variety of media platforms. Orlind's work frequently demonstrates his profound grasp of the region and its complexity, given his Liberian heritage.
Now residing in Woodbridge, Virginia, he keeps connecting with readers across continents with his perceptive journalism and sharing his viewpoint. He is well-respected in the sector because of his unwavering commitment to honesty and morality, which sets him apart in the field.
Orlind's work is more than simply his job; it's a dedication to giving voice to the voiceless, illuminating unsung tales, and advancing the worldwide conversation on important concerns. His goal as a journalist is to use the media's power to change the world, not just to disseminate information. He is a key player in modern journalism because of the inspiration, education, and engagement that his work consistently provides.