The NEWS (Monrovia)
30 April 2008
Monrovia — The Ministry of Labor has been relocated to its new office complex in the old United States Trading Company (USTC) premises on U.N. Drive adjacent the Ministry of Public Works and the General Services Agency.
The decision to relocate the Ministry and relieve government of rental obligation was initiated by Labor Minister Attorney Samuel Kofi Woods who sought financial support from the Dutch Government during the latter part of 2006 to implement the project.
Minister Woods told The News in an exclusive interview Tuesday that they were relocated at the new complex last Wednesday thereby saving government an annual rental fee of US$50,000.
"Although the building has some internal works including the furnishing of all offices, but it gives us relief and pride that we have finally moved to our own premises that is owned by the Government of Liberia," Attorney Woods noted.
He indicated that the project was made possible through a US$100,000 grant from the Dutch Government and another US$100,000 from the Liberian government, and added "we are still relying on government's support to complete, furnish and expand the ministry."
The Labor boss also disclosed that during the first cabinet retreat held in Tubmanburg, Bomi County, in 2006 he stressed the need for government ministries and agencies to initiate programs that would facilitate their relocation to permanent premises that are owned by government so as to relief government of rental obligation to private individuals.
He expressed delight that some of his cabinet colleagues have seen wisdom in his proposal and have begun relocating their ministries and agencies near the Executive Mansion ground where the government has a number of vacant buildings.
Minister Woods then commended construction personnel of the General Services Agency for their efforts and cooperation in making his dream to have the ministry relocated to its permanent premises translate into a reality.
Meanwhile, Attorney Woods has rebuked those "so-called concerned employees" of his ministry who are bent on a smear campaign to discredit the gains made thus far.
Reacting to a group of employees who claimed that Minister Woods has slashed their allowances and fringe benefit to accommodate janitors, the Labor Minister indicated that justice dictates that according to productivity, janitors who he referred to as servicemen were working overtime daily and even during weekends to justify whatever allowances we are giving them.
He said some employees, including directors and assistant directors have refused to sit to the Civil Service Agency (CSA) job placement examination in keeping with government employment policy to complete their personnel action notice form, while others refused to present their academic credentials to authenticate their level of educational qualification, but engaged in baleful campaign against him.
Quoting portion of the CSA guideline on the disbursement of allowances to employees, Minister Woods noted that allowances are given at the discretion of the minister or head of agency based on commitment, dedication and productivity on the part of the employee.
Regarding transportation for employees, the Labor Minister disclosed that two new buses have been acquired by the ministry for employees, adding that besides the buses there are a number of vehicles in the motor pool to take employees on various assignments around.
He challenged his detractors to take up whatever grievances they may have with the CSA instead of engaging in a smear campaign.
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