MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Liberian Senate has passed into law two bills seeking to create an independent, decentralized and modernized Sea and Inland Ports Regulatory Authority in Liberia.

The bills, when concurred by the House of Representatives, will provide for the regulation and sustainable development of Sea and Inland Port Operations and Services in the country.

According to a Senate release, the decentralization of the ports is intended to salvage the situation of centralization and its negative impact, and make each seaport autonomous to operate and manage itself.

The release says the move will enable each of the ports to make its own investment decision, expand revenues to make significant contributions to the national and local economies.

The release further states that the bills are consistent with the decentralization strategy of the Liberian Government.

The bills, when concurred, will automatically give the Ports of Buchanan, Greenville, Harper and other ports autonomous status without the control of the National Port Authority.

By: Sampson David