The Impact of Improved Infrastructure on Efficient Cargo Delivery in Liberia Port (a Case Study of National Port Authority)
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of the Study
The following objectives are stated to guide the study.
- To examine the impact of improved infrastructure on efficient cargo delivery in Liberia port
- To identify and assess the effects of bad infrastructure in efficient cargo delivery in Liberia ports.
- To investigate the major category of port infrastructure.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Our focus in this chapter is to critically examine relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and furthermore recognize the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps
PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE OPERATIONS OF THE NATIONAL PORT AUTHORITY (NPA) OF LIBERIA
Role of the Liberian Government
It has been common practice for most of the developed countries to leave the functions of some entities such as ports to either the municipalities, public or private companies to manage. Though, sometimes the phenomena could have a government support in one way or another. The situation sometimes seems to be different in most of the developing countries, where the central governments have mostly been concerned with the operations. In deed, it is a good idea for the government to be concerned with some of these functions but in a limited way. The main role of the government should be to ensure that the internal and external policies of the country is regulated in such a way that the red tape is avoided and also to ensure stability. The government should be concerned with legislation to see that the regulatory matters are set, and make sure that the rules and regulations of the country are not violated. The country should play the role of a monitor to ensure that the performance of the port is up to international standard. The government through the Board of Directors of the port could get involve in the national policy and planning level, because failure to properly plan and co-ordinate port system would result in either insufficient or excessive investment. The government should not interfere into the day-to-day activities of the port should be more concern with national and international issues. The port should not be used as a government employment agency, recruitment and placement of personnel should be the sole responsibility of the organisation.
The Government should allow management to adhere to the established policy of the entity and should not ignore or go contrary to these written policies governing the National Port Authority and should allow the port to operate as a commercial entity and not a private firm.
Chapter Three
Research methodology
Research Design
The research design adopted in this research work is the survey research design which involves the usage of self-designed questionnaire in the collection of data. Under the survey research design, primary data of this study will be collected from Port of Monrovia in order to determine the impact of improved infrastructure on efficient cargo delivery in Liberia Port. The design was chosen because it enables the researcher to collect data without manipulation of any variables of interest in the study. The design also provides opportunity for equal chance of participation in the study for respondents.
Population of Study
The population of study is the census of all items or a subject that possess the characteristics or that have the knowledge of the phenomenon that is being studied (Asiaka, 1991). It also means the aggregate people from which the sample is to be drawn.
Population is sometimes referred to as the universe. The population of this research study will be Seventy-five (75) staffs of Port of Monrovia in order to determine the impact of improved infrastructure on efficient cargo delivery in Liberia Port
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter is about the analysis and presentation of data collected from the field through questionnaire. The analysis of the data with particular question immediately followed by the presentation of findings.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of improved infrastructure on efficient cargo delivery in Liberia port. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of the improved infrastructure on efficient cargo delivery in Liberia port
Summary
This study was on the impact of improved infrastructure on efficient cargo delivery in Liberia port. Three objectives were raised which included: To examine the impact of improved infrastructure on efficient cargo delivery in Liberia port, to identify and assess the effects of bad infrastructure in efficient cargo delivery in Liberia ports and to investigate the major category of port infrastructure. The total population for the study is 75 staffs of Port of Monrovia. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies
Conclusion
Prior the civil crisis, the National Port Authority serviced distant economies through its transhipment business. Particularly those countries in the sub region, benefited from these services. Prominent among these countries are those with rural communities along borders that are adjacent or close to the port industry. In addition, the authority is a significant and reliable revenue generator for the government. Of paramount importance, a substantial portion of the public finances it generates is in hard currency (foreign exchange). Therefore, rehabilitating port facilities will thus enhance efficiency and revenue generation capacity of the National Port Authority and the Liberian Government as a whole. One of the most important aspects to conceive in operating an efficient port, is investment in the required facilities to provide the essential services to the customers, attract potential customers, and to keep in line with international standards. Management should improve its facilities, and services in order to maintain its customers and to attract potential customers. Development in ships size have made ship owners to be very particular in selecting ports of call and these changes will continue to have a negative effect on the NPA if we do not improve our facilities to accommodate these vessels. The port should be developed into a modern port. Management should extend the quay, procure and install modern cargo handling equipment that will help to eliminate vessels waiting for berth and therefore minimise ship’s turnaround time. In addition, the existing wharves should be rehabilitated.
Recommendation
A positive trend towards the economic recovery of the NPA and the national government in general, highly depends on the level of investment including the acquisition of cargo handling equipment and marine crafts which are essential to sustain port operations. The port efficiency contributes to an enabling environment that enhances Liberia’s international trade. Also the sea port is the medium through which construction materials and equipment will be brought into the country for national rehabilitation and reconstruction
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