By Aruna Geopgui
A well-publicized official dedication ceremony of the National Transit Authority (NTA) newly acquired fleet of mini-buses and five cargo trucks was postponed at the weekend.
NTA officials blamed the postponement on the absence of representatives from the Office President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
According to the NTA, the ceremony was intended to mark the completion of a landmark 60-vehicle procurement initiative undertaken by the Government of Liberia through ABK Solutions. The latest shipment of vehicles represents the final phase of the acquisition program and complements the 35 mass transit buses received earlier this year.
Reports indicate that the dedication is regarded as a presidential project and, therefore, could not proceed without representatives from the Executive Mansion.
The 60-vehicle fleet is considered one of the most significant investments in Liberia’s public transportation sector in recent years and is expected to improve access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation services across the country.
As part of the initiative, the NTA also plans to launch cargo transportation services using the newly acquired trucks. The service is expected to provide businesses with affordable transportation for commercial goods and construction materials, particularly to southeastern Liberia, where transportation costs remain high.
Meanwhile, the NTA said a new date for the dedication ceremony will be announced in consultation with the Office of the President.