MONROVIA – Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe has positioned himself as a fierce critic of Public Works Minister Roland Giddings in recent weeks—but an investigation by The Liberian Investigator reveals that his sudden rage may be fueled more by personal interests than public concern.
Sources close to Minister Giddings have disclosed that Senator Snowe’s recent attacks stem from the Ministry’s refusal to divert US$80,000—originally budgeted for a public infrastructure project in the GSA Road community—toward constructing a coastal defense system behind his private residence in the ELWA area.
“The senator was visibly upset after his request was denied,” a source at the Ministry told The Liberian Investigator. “He wanted that budget rechanneled to protect his personal property from sea erosion. When the minister refused, he turned to the Senate floor to wage a campaign of misinformation.”
It is understood that Snowe’s ELWA residence faces a serious threat from coastal erosion. During a visit to the Ministry, he reportedly urged Minister Giddings to reallocate public funds for his benefit. However, Minister Giddings suggested that if Snowe wanted support for erosion control in that area, he should work with his Senate colleagues to recast the budget and include provisions that benefit the broader community—not just his home.
Snowe’s frustration, it seems, is compounded by the fact that other lawmakers have successfully secured funding for community-based projects near their own residences. The 2024 National Budget, for instance, includes funding for sidewalk construction in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County—championed by Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence—and a road project in the Duazon area, where Senator Prince Moye resides.
Feeling sidelined, Snowe escalated his campaign by accusing Minister Giddings of violating government procurement limits. On the Senate floor, he claimed that the Minister was using an official vehicle worth more than US$60,000, a direct breach of the government’s vehicle cap of US$45,000 for appointed officials.
“I’m prepared to resign if what I’m saying is not true,” Snowe boldly declared, challenging the ministry to release the procurement documents.
In a swift move of transparency, the Ministry of Public Works responded by publishing a 13-page dossier detailing the procurement of Minister Giddings’ official vehicle—a 2021 Toyota Chassis Prado Diesel, purchased from HKXtrade Limited for US$45,200, with US$100 for insurance and US$2,000 for freight. The total: US$47,200, well within the allowable limit.
The documentation, which includes the vehicle registration and tax clearance, decisively debunks Senator Snowe’s claims.
Yet, despite the facts, the law shields lawmakers from repercussions for statements made during plenary.
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