-Employees Applaud Leadership
By Vaye A. Lepolu
Monrovia – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken significant steps to enhance its operational capacity with the acquisition of five vehicles and seven Yamaha motorcycles. The move, aimed at improving efficiency and employee welfare, has been warmly welcomed by staff, who have expressed their appreciation for the agency’s leadership under Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo.
The EPA’s new fleet includes two brand-new buses for employee transportation, one Toyota Land Cruiser for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Team, one Toyota Prado for the Deputy Executive Director, and an additional Toyota Land Cruiser currently awaiting delivery. The vehicles, procured within government-regulated prices, meet all Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) and General Services Agency (GSA) requirements.
Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized that the procurement process adhered to strict guidelines, including maintenance and insurance contracts to ensure the vehicles’ longevity and operational efficiency. “These vehicles are not just assets; they are tools to help us fulfill our mandate of protecting Liberia’s environment,” he said.
Motorcycles Donated to Enhance Field Operations
In addition to the vehicles, the EPA received five Yamaha motorcycles from the LIFT Project, led by Madam Madalene Dagoseh, Minister of Commerce and Industry. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also donated two motorcycles, which will be assigned to River Gee and Grand Kru counties to support the establishment of functional EPA offices in those regions.
“These motorcycles will significantly boost the capacity of our inspectorate departments, enabling them to carry out their duties more effectively,” Dr. Yarkpawolo noted.
To ensure the proper use and maintenance of the new fleet, the EPA has developed a comprehensive transport policy. The policy covers insurance, safety protocols, and guidelines for the use of buses, motorcycles, and assigned vehicles. Dr. Yarkpawolo urged all employees to familiarize themselves with the policy, which is available on the EPA’s website.
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse. We encourage all employees to read and adhere to the transport policy to ensure the longevity and effective use of these resources,” he said.
Modern Laboratory Project Announced
During the unveiling ceremony, Dr. Yarkpawolo also announced the construction of a state-of-the-art laboratory worth USD 100,000. The facility, designed to conduct world-class environmental data analysis, will significantly enhance the EPA’s ability to monitor and address environmental issues.
Dr. Yarkpawolo highlighted that the new initiatives are part of the agency’s efforts to address employee concerns and improve working conditions. “When I assumed office, one of the major complaints from employees was the lack of an effective transportation system. Many struggled to commute to work due to low salaries. These vehicles are a direct response to that challenge,” he explained.
He also expressed gratitude to the EPA’s Policy Council, Board of Directors, senior management team, and staff for their dedication and service to the nation.
Mr. Andrew Paygar-Flangiah, Deputy Minister of Commerce and representative of EPA Board Chair Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh, commended Dr. Yarkpawolo and his team for their transformative leadership. “The EPA is growing stronger under this administration, and we are proud of the progress being made. The Board is fully committed to supporting these efforts,” he stated.
Jerry Togba, President of the EPA Workers’ Union, also praised the leadership for prioritizing employee welfare. “We are beyond grateful for these initiatives, which demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving our working conditions,” he said.
President Boakai Declares Saturday, March 15, 2025, As “Joseph Jenkins Roberts 216th Birthday”
Monrovia: The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has by proclamation declared Saturday, March 15, 2025, the “Two Hundred and sixteenth (216th)” memorial Birth anniversary of President Joseph Jenkins Roberts as a National Holiday, to be observed throughout the Republic.
According to a Foreign Ministry release, the President’s proclamation is in consonance with an act of the forty-second (42nd) National Legislature during its Third Section which in recognition of the first President declared 15 March of every year a National Holiday as a mark of respect and reverence to his memory and for his untiring efforts in organizing the first Government of the Republic as well as negotiating and concluding treaties with Foreign Powers which gave recognition to the founding of the Liberian Nation.
The President in his proclamation added that it is befitting that such honor accorded the memory of his distinguished statesman serves as a challenge to all Liberians to aspire to higher and noble endeavors by emulating his courage, endurance, selflessness, and commitment to the principles and ideals of democracy as portrayed in his works and life as our First President.
The President has therefore ordered all government offices, and public and business houses to be closed on that day in observance of the day.
