LIBERIA: NPA Boss Dukuly Leads Delegation to Country’s Port Facilities

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The Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), Sekou A.M. Dukuly, at the head of a high-level delegation consisting of members of the NPA Board of Directors and Executives of the NPA visiting the Port of Buchanan in Grand Bassa County and Port of Greenville in Sinoe County in Liberia.

The visit aims to thoroughly evaluate and assess the current operational and infrastructural state of these outstation ports.

The team amongst many things will gather comprehensive data and insights that will play a pivotal role in making well-informed strategic decisions aimed at improving and revitalizing the conditions of these ports.

Speaking at the start of the assessment at the Port of Buchanan yesterday, NPA Managing Director, Sekou A. M Dukuly, said the National Port Authority (NPA) has tremendous work to do in rebuilding the infrastructure and empower development of all the ports in Liberia.

Mr. Dukuly said the Ports stand to benefit enormously economically provided the best investment is made.

Director Dukuly pointed out that addressing these exogenous issues facing the Ports promptly is essential to minimizing financial losses and substantially continuing to be the gateway of the Liberian economy.

He lauded employees and the management team for the level of work being done to keep the port alive.

For his part, NPA Board Chairman, Rev. Dr. J. Luther Tarpeh, said the visit of the board to the outstation port will give them first-hand information about the operations and conditions of these ports.

Dr. Tarpeh said the port of Buchanan and all other ports need to be given full attention for them to continue to contribute economically to the growth and development of Liberia.

The visit comes following a board resolution passed at its last sitting in June 2024 based on a comprehensive management report highlighting issues of deteriorating brick water walls caused by sea corrosion.

The negative impact of this deterioration on the ports’ infrastructure has been substantial, making it essential to address these concerns urgently.

In addition, operational challenges at the Greenville Port have reinforced the immediate need for a thorough assessment for subsequent reforms.

The assessment of the ports of Buchanan and Greenville commenced on July 10, 2024, which is expected to last for five days and will provide valuable insights to the internal management and the board and also draw the attention of the Honorable House of Representatives and the Liberian Senate to these critical matters.

The Managing Director of the NPA Dukuly said following the delegation’s assessment, it will seek to advocate for necessary budget allocations in the upcoming fiscal year to address some of the issues. These allocations will complement the existing initiatives of the management and will contribute significantly to enhancing the conditions of these ports.

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