Unifying Liberia Transport Sector: A Policy Approach to Economic Development
Posted on Sunday, March 30 @ 04:48:06 EDT by admin
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By:Andre Pope
Unifying Liberia’s Transport Sector: A Policy Approach to Economic Development
It is conventional wisdom that the transport sector can be a catalyst for socio-economic development. Hence, enhancements in the transportation sector can contribute significantly to economic development. Poor transportation systems on the other hand will restrict the ability of a country to; fully utilize its natural resources, distribute goods, integrate the various economic sectors, and drive local agricultural activities.
It is important, if not vital, to develop transportation structures that are efficient and make the most of the capital required to develop them, avoiding wastes in all its forms. If the conclusion that capital improvement in transport sector can lead to greater economic development than when capital is used in other sectors of the economy, then policy makers should appreciate the benefits to be gained by developing the transportation infrastructure. If on the other hand, capital improvements in transport sector cannot be associated to economic performance, then meager resources could, perhaps, be spent on other sectors of the economy.
Okay, now that we have provided the basis of the transport sector as a vehicle for economic development, let’s examine the current transport structure against the need to align our transport sector in a unified way for economic development. If our various transportation activities (aviation, maritime, highway, railroads, etc) remain decentralized, development of our transportation facilities will continue to elude us. Hence, the economic benefits that could be accrued as a result of improvements in transportation facilities will be harder to obtain.
The need then of a broader national transport policy becomes relevant to facilitate an efficient interaction among the various modes of the transport sector (Intermodal Transportation Network) for the general public and the economy to assume their ideal structure. The national transport policy can only be able to play this role if policies in the transportation sector are first unified, outward looking, formed by the requirements of society, developed by the various stakeholders and represent the realities of the economy that the transport segment has to sustain. The effectiveness of the role played by transport is to a large extent dictated by the soundness of transport policy and the strategies utilized in implementing the policy.
Now, if we look past all the political reasons to have a decentralized transport sector and see the relationship between the transportation systems, it would make sense to propose a legislative act for the realignment of the Transportation Ministry to include the following agencies that will be autonomous:
Now, if we look past all the political reasons to have a decentralized transport sector and see the relationship between the transportation systems, it would make sense to propose a legislative act for the realignment of the Transportation Ministry to include the following agencies that will be autonomous: - Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) - will regulate Liberia’s civil aviation and commercial airline activities. The CAA then becomes the chief policy agency on Liberia domestic and international civil aviation sector. On the domestic front, the CAA will help develop prudent policies on air transport, aviation safety, airports and airspace. On the international front, the CAA will focus on international air transport and dealings with international organizations and other governments, international and non governmental groups. The CAA would insure the management of our airports and aircrafts in a manner that is safe with efficient services to the consumers, and in the interest of the country and the general public.
- National Maritime Authority (NMA) – much like the CAA, the NMA will have the responsibility to help develop and support Liberia’s marine transportation system and in the process help drive the facilities, economic and national security needs. The NMA would also be responsible to provide a shipping and seafarers administration support service, manage the registration of ships, revitalize the National Port Authority, supervise a coastal patrol service, manage vessel traffic including navigation aids and provide lighthouse services. The head of the Maritime Authority appoints the heads of the various seaports and manage the maritime fund program which would effectively end the Maritime Bureau as a stand alone entity. This means that the Maritime Bureau becomes a function within this new agency.
- Liberia Transit Authority (LTA) – The LTA would strive to provide reasonable transit service for all. All transit systems would provide cost effective means of mobility for people unable to operate a motor vehicle because of personal and financial reasons, disability and age. These transit services will help people get to schools, hospitals, work, etc. The head of the LTA appoints the heads of the MTA and similar companies and helps oversee their operations.
- National Railway Authority (NRA) - The NRA would enforce; rail safety regulations, manage railroad policies and programs, and provide for the establishment of a railroad passenger service similar to the “red bus” that operated between Yekepa and Buchanan; and support of all national rail transportation activities in the country.
The consolidation of these agencies within the Ministry of Transport will unify the transportation systems of Liberia; provide for the elimination of boards of directors at: The National Port Authority, Robert’s International Airport, Civil Aviation Authority, Monrovia Transit Authority; and create policy bodies for the various modes of transportation that are different than the management teams that would run the operations at different corporations. The President will appoint the heads of the four transportation agencies and maintain a strong line relationship to them, while the heads of these agencies will have dotted line relationship to the Minister of Transportation. The heads of the various agencies will then work with the Minister of Transportation to develop a national transport policy that promotes public safety and security and transportation systems that can contribute to the nation's economic revitalization efforts and growth.
I would like to call on all the stakeholders to be committed to a review of Liberia’s national transport policy to ensure that it meets the needs of the people within the limits of our resources and within the changed environment in Liberia. It is no secret that public policy cannot be stagnant but must be dynamic in nature; therefore it must at all times be sensitive to the environment. And, as such, public policy needs to be reconsidered and if necessary revised on a continuing basis. Against this background, I call for a working group of transport experts to develop a comprehensive framework for a national transport policy. I also call on the President to look past the political reasons for a decentralized transport system, and embrace a structure that is sound, prudent and make transport a vital national instrument in our reconstruction efforts.
This is our time, an opportunity for Liberians of all suasions to alleviate the issues that confront the economy and the lives of the people. The Government alone can not provide all the answers; we have to begin national dialogues that engage our policy makers, the government, the citizenry and the President on the important issues of our time. Please stay tuned and engage with me as we begin the dialogue on the economics of a transport policy for Liberia. Next in the series will be a paper on the aviation sector.
About the author.Andre Pope is a concerned Liberian that works in financial planning and analysis and controllership in the Atlanta area. The author has taught economics at the University of Liberia and most recently served as an adjunct at the National American University teaching accounting and management. Andre lives with family near Atlanta and can be reached at andrepopep@yahoo.com.
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