BUCHANAN, May 8 (LINA) – The Lower House of the 54th National Legislature of Liberia has overwhelmingly rectified an agreement giving rise to trade links between the Republic of Guinea and Liberia via the railroad/train tracks.
The decision was reached during the House’ 28th Day Sitting following tense debate amongst Lawmakers when the Committee on Land, Mines, Energy and Natural Resources headed by Grand Bassa County Representative, Vincent T. Willie; made deliberation in Plenary on Capitol Hill.
Regarding justification behind the long argument in Session, Rep. Willie explained that many Legislators earlier perceived the Agreement as Concession, a situation that degenerated into tense debate; but necessary clarifications accordingly was made by the Committee.
« That is why when our people elect us, we are under obligation to do things in their interest that would better their lives,” said the Bassa lawmaker who chairs the Committee.
The treaty creates the space for both countries to have interchangeable railroad (tracks) operation for transportation purposes; terming it as cross border trade that would allow concessionaires in the two St0ates to use the train tracks and thereby pay royalty and taxes where applicable.
« Guinea will not immediately use the Port of Buchanan, but both nations must first enter an agreement that would grant permission to each other for easy access and possible inflow of companies from either sides to provide employment and boast the economy, » Rep. Vincent Willie clarified.
Since 2013, the Document stayed in the corridors of the lower House until 2020 when it first surfaced in Plenary for passage, but the Legislative reception was unfavorable; thus causing it to have passed a year later on Tuesday, 4 May 2021.
The move by the Legislature has availed opportunity for companies in Conakry, Guinea to access the Buchanan Sea Port via the Railroad for Exportation of their goods and other materials after meeting up with standard for concession operation in Liberia.
Accordingly, the Agreement will ensure improvement and expansion of the railroad from Nimba County to Grand Bassa for instantaneous use by Arcelor Mittal Liberia and other concessions that would express willingness for investment in Liberia under the Weah’ Government.
The Legislative willingness to pass the Treaty comes in the wake of continuous call from H.E. George Manneh Weah concerning collaborative effort by all branches of government aimed at bettering the citizens’ lives.
