LEC, NTA and LBS exempted from custom duty payments

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has issued Executive Order No. 71 exempting the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), the National Transit Authority (NTA), and the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) from the payment of customs duty on all fuel acquired in carrying out their respective mandates.

An Executive Mansion release dated Monday, August 3 says the Executive Order No. 71 which takes effect immediately, is in the interest of national reconstruction and development.  The need for customs duty exemption on fuel to generate electricity, provide public transportation, and widely broadcast information is imperative at this time of rising costs and rapid development, the Executive Mansion says.

Executive Order No. 71 states that in the absence of hydro or alternative power, fuel is the key ingredient in the generation of electricity in Liberia by the Liberia Electricity Corporation.

It also notes that the generation of electricity at a reasonable cost is essential to maintain an affordable balance in the cost of living. The release says government seeks also to minimize the cost of transportation provided by the National Transit Authority in serving the general public; while the need exists to ensure the dissemination of information to the general public through the state-owned Liberia Broadcasting System.

In the same vein, President Sirleaf has issued Executive Order No. 72, exempting the Liberia Water and Sewerr Corporation from customs duties on certain products.  The products exempted from customs duties include diesel fuel for operations and production; routable and consumable spares for operations; low lift and high lift pumps to be used at the Water Treatment Plants and water treatment chemicals and chlorinators.

Other products include laboratory apparatus for water treatment facilities (White Plains and Outstations); heavy duty equipment to include asphalt cutter, jack hammer, backhoe, excavator, directional drill and water meters.

Finally, the list includes sectional sewer rudder, leak detectors, valves (air relief, surge and line), pressure sewer cleaner and high pressure assorted pipes and fittings and flow meter.  The Executive Order further states that in the interest of national development and reconstruction, the need still exists to exempt the LWSC from custom duty on fuel, equipment and related items for the operation of the LWSC’s water treatment plant and for the delivery of water and sewer services.

Executive Order No. 72 stresses that LWSC is a wholly-owned entity of the Government charged with ensuring the provision of water and sewerage services for the population.  The release concludes that Government seeks to ensure that policies and institutions for water supply and sanitation services delivery, as well as for water resources development and management, respond effectively to needs and priorities of the population.

This Executive Order takes effect immediately, the Mansion says. -Press Release