Breaking News From Japan

At long last, bidding process for the selection of reputable firm to construct the second phase of Somalia Driver has gotten underway in Tokyo. 
 
On Wednesday, March 7, 2018, a three-man high power delegation of the Government of Liberia represented by Public Works Minister Mobutu Vlah Nyenpan, Deputy Minister for Technical Services Claude Langley and Project Engineer Deena Morgan left Liberia to participate in the bidding process in the Japanese capital of Tokyo. 
 
A dispatch from Tokyo quotes Public Works’ Minister Mobutu Nyenpan as saying the commencement of phase 2 of the project is indicative of the cordial relations subsisting between the two countries.
 
“The opening of bid for the commencement of phase 2 of Somalia Driver road project is indicative of the numerous contribution of the government and people of Japan”, Minister Nyenpan is quoted as saying.   
In Japan, the Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to the government and people of Japan for their immense contribution toward Liberia’s recovery process. 
 
Declaring the bidding process officially opened, the Works Minister reiterated that, infrastructure development is the bedrock of President George Weah’s Pro-Poor Agenda. 
 
It can be recalled that 2 years ago, phase 1 of the Somalia Drive project started with the construction of additional two lanes to accommodate the huge traffic from both end of the freeway. 
 
Phase 2 of the project, according to project document entails the construction of the existing two lanes which has outlived its usefulness. When completed, the Somalia Driver will be four lanes. The road, which linked two important commercial hubs of Freeport and Redlight has been an area of traffic congestion much to the displeasure of residents of Gardnersville and adjacent communities  
 
Phase 2 of the project will see the construction of combined road furniture including traffic and street lights. 
 
Somali Drive road projects is a bilateral funding agreement entered into by the Government of Liberia and Japan 4 years ago as part of the Japanese support to Liberia.