Open Response to Hon. Ruth Coker Collins, Former Minister of Public Works/RL

Honorable Former Minister, Esteemed Engineer, and Distinguished Colleague:

 

The Organizing Committee of the National Infrastructure Conference 2026 acknowledges receipt of your open letter to the Minister of Public Works regarding the ongoing National Infrastructure Conference in Gompa City, Nimba County. We receive your concerns with deep respect and in the same spirit of national responsibility in which they were expressed.

 

First, please allow us to recognize, with humility, that your non-inclusion in the initial list of invitees was an unfortunate oversight. This lapse does not in any way reflect the high regard in which you are held as a former Minister of Public Works, a seasoned professional engineer, and a patriot who has contributed to Liberia’s infrastructure development. We accept this shortcoming from a position of responsibility and institutional learning.

 

You are absolutely correct that infrastructure development transcends political transitions and administrations. The knowledge, experience, and institutional memory carried by former ministers and senior professionals remain invaluable national assets. The Conference was conceived as a platform for exactly that—honest dialogue across generations of leadership to shape a stronger, more resilient infrastructure future for Liberia.

 

In this regard, it is our distinct honor to formally invite you to participate in Day 3 of the Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, which focuses on “Building Resilient Infrastructure, Enhancing Road Connectivity, and Integrating Climate Change”. 

 

Your perspective as a former sector leader will greatly enrich the discussions, particularly on policy continuity, asset management, and lessons learned from previous interventions.

 

The Secretariat will be pleased to make all necessary arrangements to facilitate your participation in the technical sessions and roundtables on Day-3, and you can kindly access the below link for more details on the Conference: 

 

We deeply appreciate your continued commitment to national service and your gracious expression of willingness to contribute despite this initial slip. It is our hope that this Conference and future engagements will reflect the inclusive spirit you have rightly advocated.

 

Please accept, Honorable Former Minister, the assurances of our highest consideration and profound respect.

Regards,

 

The Organizing Committee/National Infrastructure Conference 2026