The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has made significant strides in improving employee working conditions by dedicating several new vehicles for staff transportation and field operations.
The dedication ceremony took place on Tuesday at the EPA’s newly constructed headquarters in Mamba Point, Monrovia.
In his remarks, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo highlighted that this initiative was in direct response to employee concerns regarding an inadequate transportation system. He stated, “When we took over the EPA, we opened the corridors for our employees to speak through our integrity boxes. Among many issues, they highlighted transportation challenges, which made commuting to work difficult due to low salaries.”
The EPA has now acquired two new buses for employee transport, a Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Team, a Toyota Prado Jeep for the Deputy Director, and is awaiting another Land Cruiser Jeep.
Dr. Yarkpawolo also announced the development of a comprehensive transport policy, which includes regulations on insurance, bus usage, and motorcycle safety, now available on the EPA website for employee access. Additionally, he revealed plans for a modern USD 100,000 environmental laboratory aimed at enhancing the agency’s operational efficiency.
Dr. Josiah F. Joekai, Director General of the Civil Service Agency, commended Dr. Yarkpawolo’s leadership. He noted, “A leader who buys a vehicle for his deputy but leaves himself out—that is true leadership.” He highlighted the transformational progress at the EPA under Dr. Yarkpawolo’s guidance.
Jerry Togba, President of the EPA Workers’ Union, expressed gratitude to the leadership for prioritizing employee welfare, stating, “We, the employees, are beyond grateful for these new vehicles. This initiative shows that our leadership is listening and acting.”
