–Ship to ease transport of goods to southeastern counties
A Liberian made cargo vessel has been launched at the Freeport of Monrovia to ease the transportation problems for people in southeastern Liberia and other coastal counties by Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor.
The NIKO IVANKA was built by the HYLAEA INC in Marshall, Margibi County in four months, with the vision of providing Liberians the opportunity to transport essential goods including fuel oil to the southeastern areas of Liberia.
Vice President Howard-Taylor welcomed the move by the company through her chief of office staff, who said it would enhance the economic growth of the country.
The VP’s comments were contained in a statement delivered on her behalf by her Chief of Office Staff, George T. Nimely at programs marking the official dedication of the vessel held over the weekend in Monrovia, a press release from the VP office said on Monday.
Nimely said the commissioning of this cargo vessel if use for the purpose intended, could address the deplorable road challenge being experienced in the South East.
He said while the government of President George M. Weah remains committed to the construction of roads as indicated in his first state of National address, the use of the cargo vessel could serve as a major alternative to the transportation of goods in Sinoe and other surrounding counties.
Liberia’s first elected female Vice President has meanwhile, asked the relevant government entities to ensure that safety measures are followed in the use of the vessel.
The NIKO IVANKA is said to have been licensed by the Liberia Maritime Authority to serve the Liberian Ports of Buchanna, Greenville, Harper, Monrovia and Robertsport with the home station based in Monrovia.
The Liberian made vessel is expected to begin weekly trips initially between Monrovia, Greenville and Harper in the coming weeks.