LTA’s Missing Millions

Tuesday, 12 June 2012 10:43

Written by Boima J. V. Boima

The House Committees on Telecommunications,  Public Accounts and Judiciary, have begun probing allegations by Rep. James Baney saying extravagant spending existed at the Liberia Telecomunications Authority (LTA), Rep. Numene T. H. Bartekwa, who is chairing the probe confirmed here Monday.

“Right,  the process (probe) has  begun. Today, we are meeting with LTA management, “ Rep. Bartekwa who also chairs the House Committee on Post and Telecommunications told this paper Monday in an interview.

He said  they will  “thoroughly investigate” the issues raised against the LTA commissioners and make  recomendations to the  plenary for appropriate action.

“If it is proven that there is indeed a wasteful spending at the LTA, we must ensure that such act is indeed brought to a halt,” Rep. Bartekwa stressed.

Rep. Bartekwa also said the stanoff between the LTA and Lonestar GSM Company would be investigated, followed by a recomendation to plenary.

Rep. James Baney and Rep. George S. Mulbah last week alarmed plenary that “extravagant” spendings existed at LTA.

“I have in my possession, a copy of last year’s budget of the  LTA and, this is a budget of US$13, 015, 737.

“You have salaries, US$2.1 million. I doubt again if the President can approve such. Because, for the President to do that, she herself would be questioned,” Rep. Baney told plenary.

He reiterated how the President had earlier affirmed that no commissioner at the LTA would make above US$5000.”

Ms. Weeks, who confirmed that LTA commissioners and employees “are well paid” otherwise entities in the sector that have the financial means can attempt to capture our employees or commissioners.

She then denied lawmakers’ “extravagant spending claims” and challenged them to  “evidentially” prove their case.