Monrovia – The Vice President of Liberia Hon. Jewel Howard-Taylor has dedicated a Liberian made cargo vessel at the Freeport of Monrovia.
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 part of Liberia.
According to a Press Release from the office of the Vice President, Jewel Howard-Taylor welcome the move by the company, adding that it would enhance the economic growth of the country.
The release said the comments of the Vice President were contained in a statement delivered on her behalf by her Chief of Office Staff Mr. George T. Nimely at programs marking the official dedication of the vessel held over the weekend in Monrovia.
Mr. 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 George 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.
He however quoted the Vice President Hon. Jewel Howard-Taylor as asking the relevant government entities to ensure that safety measures are followed in the usage 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 vessel is expected to begin weekly runs initially between Monrovia, Greenville and Harper in the coming weeks.