Acting Minister Ruth C. Collins (center) at the signing ceremony.
Acting Minister Ruth C. Collins (center) at the signing ceremony.

Liberia, China Signed Implementation Agreement for Construction of Two Overpass Bridges

"Based on the Exchange of Letters signed on September 9, 2019 by and between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Liberia, the Chinese Government has finally agreed to undertake Two China-Aid Overpass Bridges Project along the Tubman Boulevard in Liberia", quotes the Memorandum of Understanding [ also known as Implementation Agreement] which was signed yesterday, June 8, 2021.

The Agreement further states that: 'The International Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Public Works of the Republic of Liberia reached the consensus on specific issues through friendly consultations and full exchanges of ideas, and signed the Implementation Agreement of the Project under the terms and conditions that aim to solidify bilateral ties subsisting between the two countries'.

Consistent with the scope of construction, the following are enshrined in the Technical Agreement:
" The main line of the west overpass bridge reconstruction section on the Back Road, Tubman Boulevard with the length of around 1,140 meters, auxiliary roads with the length of 480 meters , additional ramps with length of 950 meters, and the construction of the overpass with the length of around 287 meters; as well as the main line of the east overpass bridge reconstruction section on Back Road with the length of around 870 meters, additional ramps with the length of 1080 meters, the construction of the overpass with the length of around 162 meters".

Signing on behalf of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China accredited near Monrovia was Li Jiang of the Economic and Commercial Counsellor's Office.

He affirmed his Government's commitment towards the achievement of the Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD).

Mr. Jiang also used the occasion to divulge that plans are underway for two additional projects: the development of a land space situated around the 14th Military Hospital and an access route that seeks to link Sinkor with Somalia Drive.

Representing the Government of Liberia at the investiture ceremony was the Acting Public Works Minister Ruth Coker-Collins who lauded the People's Republic of China for the Aid, terming it a milestone.

Minister Coker-Collins also recounted the crucial role that the One China Policy is making towards Liberia's national development drive.

Also present at the Signing Ceremony were other officials of the Chinese Embassy and the Ministry of Public Works.

Deputy Minister for Administration Joseph P. Todd, Deputy Minister for Rural Development, Benjamin Bantoe, Assistant Minister for Construction, Dave Sleweon, amongst others were in attendance for what will go down in history as one of Liberia's most aesthetic infrastructure features.

The Project is valued at 261, 700, 000 yuan or approximately 41M dollars.

Meanwhile, the Project is expected to commence in October this year.