The Liberian Senate’s Public Accounts and Audits Committee (PAC) has intensified scrutiny of the controversial US$990,000 Gbarpolu County Chip Seal Road Project, following a detailed briefing from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). The Commission’s findings have reignited public concern after allegations that the project was abandoned despite substantial government payments.
At the heart of the probe is a 2.9-kilometer chip seal road in Bopolu City, awarded to YSM, Inc. According to the LACC, the Ministry of Public Works filed a formal complaint alleging that the contractor deserted the project after receiving significant disbursements. The Commission’s investigation has since raised troubling questions about accountability, engineering standards, and value for money.
On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, PAC Chairman Senator Amara M. Konneh convened a consultative session where LACC commissioners outlined the complaint, investigative process, preliminary findings, and recommendations. Lawmakers pressed for clarity on legal, financial, and technical aspects, emphasizing that any conclusions must rest on credible evidence.
The Committee noted that YSM, Inc. had reportedly received certification for partial completion before the remaining portion of the contract was canceled by a former Minister of Public Works. This revelation underscores the complexity of the case, which involves both contractual obligations and technical engineering assessments.
To strengthen oversight, the Committee unanimously resolved to summon current and former officials of the Ministry of Public Works to appear alongside the LACC. Their testimony, lawmakers believe, will help determine the actual percentage of work completed, evaluate whether contractual obligations were met, and establish whether taxpayers received fair value.
Among the LACC’s preliminary recommendations were: Independent engineering review to assess value for money, locating the contractor to account for funds received, and joint technical verification involving ministry engineers to confirm the scope of work completed.
Although no criminal findings were announced, the Senate’s decision to broaden the inquiry signals growing legislative determination to enforce accountability and transparency in public spending. Lawmakers stressed that infrastructure projects must not become conduits for waste or corruption, particularly when communities depend on them for development.
The Committee reaffirmed its constitutional oversight role and pledged continued collaboration with the LACC and other integrity institutions. It assured the people of Gbarpolu County and the wider Liberian public that the investigation will be pursued to its logical conclusion, with updates provided as the inquiry progresses.
For many observers, the probe represents more than a single project—it is a test of Liberia’s ability to safeguard public resources and ensure that development funds translate into tangible benefits. Whether the Senate’s intensified investigation delivers accountability or fades into bureaucratic theater remains to be seen, but the stakes for governance and public trust could not be higher.
