Photo: The New Dawn

Some graduates of the University of Liberia.

It has been unearthed by Gbarpolu County Senior Senator, Theordore Momo, that the Ministry of Education reportedly executed USD $200,000 dollars in the 2011/2012 fiscal budget thus amounting to fiscal impropriety. He has written the Plenary of the Liberian Senate expressing that the Ministry 'diverted' the amount without advancing reasons for said act.

As the matter was debated and considered serious by Senators, votes were cast mandating two committees including Education; and Ways, means, Finance and Budget to launch an investigation into the matter. Senator Momo's communication repeatedly stated that the Ministry 'diverted' the USD$ 200,000.00 purposely appropriated for construction of the multilateral High School in Gbarma, Gbarpolu County.

The amount,the Senator further narrated that it was in the last fiscal budget to jump-start construction works of the Gbarma's Multilateral High School. But the Gbarpolu County Senator pointed out that he was disappointed, noting among other things, that the Ministry instead supposedly awarded the contracts for the renovation of the Gbarma Central high School and closed eye to the construction of the Multilateral School for which the amount was appropriated.

The Senator, in a determined mind aimed at checking what appeared to be a 'fraud' by the Ministry, reported that already, contractors will start the renovation of restrooms, floor laying as well as other works as per the contract agreement. But the Senator said he was shocked over all of these happenings because, the cost for that renovation was far less than what was allotted.

Maintaining his position, the Senator stated that the supposed act by the Ministry will constitute undermining and spilling bad color of the good intent of the Legislature if not checked and curtailed.

The communication than sparked an intense debates with many Senators describing the situation as illegal.

Briefing reporters following the Senate's Session, Senator Momo said his letter was based on pressure he continues to receive from citizens of his County. He said following the passage of the last fiscal budget the amount was allotted for the construction of the Multilateral School and citizens of the district duly appraised the position of the Legislature.

The Committees mandated to investigate the Education Ministry are expected to submit their findings to the Plenary of the Liberian Senate.