Works Ministry takes Drastic Step …suspends Western Cluster's Road User Permit

The Ministry of Public Works has taken decisive action by suspending the Road User Permit (RUP - 220620-004) granted to Western Cluster Limited (WCL), citing multiple violations of permit terms.

The RUP authorized Western Cluster to engage in commercial hauling of iron ore along the Freeport of Monrovia-Bomi Hills-road corridor.

In a notice addressed to the company's Country Representative, the Ministry highlighted specific breaches, including the persistent use of trucks exceeding the permitted dimensions and weight limits, as well as operating outside the designated time frame stipulated in the Permit.

Furthermore, the Ministry accused Western Cluster of failing to comply with the requirement to install weigh bridges at designated points and neglecting maintenance responsibilities for the road corridor, thereby jeopardizing safety and usability for other road users.

This suspension follows a previous sanction imposed on November 6, 2023, for similar violations, which was lifted upon assurances from WCL of prompt rectification.

However, the Ministry expressed disappointment at Western Cluster's failure to fulfill its obligations in good faith, necessitating the current action.

The Ministry emphasized that Western Cluster must rectify all violations within sixty days to avoid the possibility of permit termination. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of the company's ROAD USER PERMIT.

Meanwhile, Western Cluster Limited (WCL)  is yet to comment on  to the Government’s  decision.