MONROVIA, February 18 (LINA) - Information Minister Lewis Brown has called for collaboration between Liberia and the European Union (EU) in constructing more feeder roads that lead to health facilities in the country.

Brown noted that if Liberia’s healthcare system is built to full capacity it will only be useful and more accessible in rural Liberia if roads leading to hospitals and other public health facilities are in good condition.

The Minister made the statement in a meeting with EU Ambassador to Liberia, Tiina Intelmann, at the Ministry of Information in Monrovia on Wednesday.

He called on the EU to support government’s efforts by strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Public Works which is already working on a signature project to ensure that roads to essential healthcare facilities are constructed or upgraded.

Brown asserted that the Ebola crisis exposed the weaknesses of Liberia’s health system which ultimately needs collaboration with international partners, such as the EU, to be resuscitated.

During the discussion, Brown also highlighted the need for partnership between the EU and Liberia to ensure the strengthening of essential services, such as tourism, information dissemination as well as building Liberia’s capacity to preserve cultural heritage.

According to the Brown, support to these sectors will not only give Liberia the opportunity to make economic gains, but will also afford the country the opportunity to achieve its developmental agenda.

For her part, Ambassador Intelmann re-affirmed the EU’s commitment to continue collaboration with Liberia in its rebuilding process.

She promised to communicate Liberia’s plight to the EU, adding: “I remain grateful for the level of appreciation and hospitality of the people of Liberia.”
LINA