President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia has issued Executive Order No. 136, extending the provisions of a previous order and establishing the National Railway Authority (NRA). This move underscores the government's focus on developing and managing Liberia's rail infrastructure.
The new executive order follows the expiration of Executive Order No. 112, which was originally issued on October 17, 2022. The National Rail Authority Act had not been passed by the National Legislature, prompting President Boakai to take immediate action to continue regulating the country's rail assets.
The NRA is charged with creating policies for managing both above-rail and below-rail infrastructure in Liberia. It will employ qualified rail regulators to ensure safe and equitable access for users, particularly in the mining sector and for passenger transport.
The authority will be led by key officials appointed by President Boakai, including a Managing Director and Deputy Managing Directors for Administration and Operations. Its operations will be funded through fees levied on users of national railway assets.
Additionally, the NRA is tasked with drafting a National Rail Authority Act for submission to the legislature. Disputes related to this executive order will be resolved through arbitration under Liberian law.
President Boakai emphasized that this initiative aligns with Liberia's goals of enhancing national rail assets to promote economic growth while respecting existing agreements with stakeholders. The executive order aims to support the mining sector, improve transportation logistics, and boost the economy.
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