He made the statement Wednesday, June 17, at a ceremony marking the resumption of Japanese-sponsored projects in Liberia during which the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) disclosed that a JICA team, comprising nine Japanese consultants and staff from Tokyo and Ghana, is in Liberia to assess the post-Ebola situation.

“Now Japanese contractors are back on the field, we will be ready to resume the projects,” Minister Ngafuan asserted.

He said “with continuous support from our counterparts and community members, I believe that these longer term projects will be successfully completed to contribute to the recovery and prosperity of Liberia.”

 According to him, JICA stands prepared to fully support Liberia’s Economic Stability and Recovery Plan, which aims at stabilizing the economy and getting Liberia on a path to inclusive growth through building a resilient health system.

He said the two projects are essential to the people of Liberia and would benefit millions of people living in Monrovia and surrounding regions and will have an important role in the country’s recovery efforts, especially in the post-Ebola context.

Minister Ngafuan called on Liberians, especially residents along the road, to lend maximum support to the contractors to enhance the smooth operation of the project.
He also stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working closely with sectoral ministries and agencies to make sure the projects are successful.

While thanking Japan on behalf of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Government and People of Liberia for the initiative, Minister Ngafuan added that Liberia and Japan have entered into a new phase of their relationship.

According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will do all in its reach to work with Japan in order to explore new areas of cooperation in the mutual interest of the two countries.
He said from 15-22 June, a team of Japanese consultants, engineers, general contractors and JICA staff from Tokyo and Ghana will be updating information to immediately resume the suspended projects.

Meanwhile, the Government of Japan through the Japan Corporation Agency (JICA) has officially announced the resumption of the operation of Japan-funded projects in Liberia including the reconstruction of the Somalia Drive in Monrovia, and the project for the rehabilitation of Monrovia Power system which was suspended due to Ebola outbreak in Liberia.
LINA GDJ/PTK