National Road Fund of Liberia Denounces False Corruption Claims and Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency

Monrovia, Liberia: The National Road Fund (NRF) of Liberia firmly rejects recent allegations of corruption and deliberate misinformation circulating in media outlets and public forums.

These baseless claims, which falsely assert that the NRF awarded contracts in 2023 without following proper competitive bidding procedures, are a malicious attempt to discredit the Fund’s reputation.

The NRF clarifies that in 2023, it entered into a legally compliant contract with BLECO Group to conduct a comprehensive Quality Assurance and Review Process on all road infrastructure projects funded by the NRF between fiscal years 2020 and 2022. This review was intended to provide valuable insights and recommendations for future projects in the NRF’s Annual Road Maintenance and Expenditure Program (ARMEP) of 2024.

The procurement process for the BLECO contract was open, transparent, and rigorous. After thorough evaluation, BLECO Group was selected as the most responsive and successful bidder, with the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) granting a “No Objection” approval. All payments under the contract were strictly tied to agreed-upon deliverables, ensuring full compliance with NRF’s standards.

The NRF also emphasizes that, under its enabling legislation (The NRF Act of 2016), the Fund has the authority to enter into contracts to fulfill its mandate. Therefore, any claims questioning the NRF’s ability to enter into contracts are misleading and erroneous. The NRF Act explicitly grants the Fund the power to review fund utilization and engage in contractual agreements on behalf of the Road Fund.

In response to allegations concerning the NRF’s financing of a solar lighting project in Grand Cape Mount County, the Fund reiterates that such projects fall within its jurisdiction, as the NRF Act permits the financing of activities related to road safety, including lighting initiatives. These projects are directly aligned with the Fund’s purpose of supporting road maintenance and safety programs.

The NRF remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and accountability. It urges the public to reject unfounded claims and misinformation, emphasizing that these allegations are part of a calculated smear campaign with no basis in fact. The NRF will continue its positive work for the people of Liberia, guided by its core values of integrity and public service.