PHOTO: Citizens and Swedish delegation pose for photo after the inspection on Tuesday
By Emmanuel Mafelah, mafelahemmanuel29@gmail.com
SALALA DISTRICE, BONG, Liberia- A High-Level Swedish Delegation has been visiting Totota to inspect the ongoing construction of the 20km track roads along the Nyila-Boyerma Corridor Road in Salala District in the central Bong County.
The delegation was headed by Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, Urban Sjostrom and the country’s Secretary of State for International Development Cooperation, Madam Jenny Olsson, among others.
The construction of the track roads will aid in linking villages and towns in Salala District, thereby easing the difficulties in transporting farm produce to the market.
Speaking after the delegation completed a one-mile guided tour in Massa Town, Ambassador Sjostrom expressed satisfaction and lauded the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Public Works for the strong partnership.
The Swedish diplomat stressed he called ‘friendly exchanges’ will go a long way in strengthening ties with Liberia.
He said Sweden remains committed to the development of additional feeder roads in the country, with the construction of track roads as value added to SIDA’s feeder road projects across the country.
Also speaking, Assistant Public Works Minister for Rural Development, Jackie Bernard praised the Swedish Government for the partnership.
Minister Bernard intimated that the Government of Liberia under the watchful eyes of President George Weah will continue to attach priority to the socio-economic development of the citizens, with emphasis on the rural population faced with inhibiting challenges ranging from agriculture to education, amongst others.
For his part, the Director for the Liberian-Swedish Feeder Roads Project Phase III at the Ministry of Public Works, Isaac Vaye recounted the efforts of the Swedish Government towards the construction of Feeder Roads in Liberia.
Mr. Vaye added that additional 200km of track roads are expected to be constructed under a pilot project in Lofa, Bong and Nimba Counties through the Swedish Fund with technical and consultancy support from GIZ and the Lofa Integrated Development Agency, LIDA, respectively.
According to him, the construction of these roads will not only create pathway to transport agricultural produce to market and other city centers, but will also help in the movement of the locals from one village to another, noting that women and children are the prime beneficiaries.