As the People’s Republic of China soldiers on its campaign to prevent underdeveloped nations, particularly of Africa from conquering political rights rather than economic rights, it is her wilful spirit that has compelled almost all sundry in the full corners of Liberia to aver affirmative or negative opinions toward this mammoth achievement of the Sirleaf’s Administration, the erection of a ministerial complex.
If this fathom step toward infrastructural development is completed, I think it will help reduce government expenditures and set the stage for governments to come. Long before, we faced this same embarrassment we are faced with today.
National Government rental of buildings increases government expenses, undue traffic congestions during the morning and afternoon hours are due to centralized government ministries, poor sewage system at most ministries, and low standard telecommunications system are the many ministerial troubles we have experienced.
This crucial project has brought uneasiness at home and abroad among Liberians in many perspectives. Some have argued that spending US$4Million for the demolition of the National Defense building (Peace Island, Congo Town) constructed in the late 80s would be of no essence unless that amount is redirected to other developmental plans. I wonder they have been advised by Engineers that a building that has lasted for more than thirty years be renovated rather than demolishing it.
How are we going to develop? Why should we defer development? Should we always say the Sirleaf led government has no plan for the Liberian people? While others have commended national government for her lobbyistic power some have sat back throwing monkey-ranges (derogatory statements).
He who sucked from his mother breast values milk. So has it been with us who believed that this success speaks volume for economic giant, China and Liberia comradeship.
The Chinese government, a helpful international partner to Liberia, reported that she will be reinforcing her impacts to Liberia’s reform by erecting a US$60Million dollars modern ministerial complex. A ministerial complex that will have a suitable sewer line linking the Mesurado River, that will encompass a modern communication system (resistant to bad weather) and a four-dimensional parking lot for employees’ vehicles.
This accomplishment also supports the decentralization of ministries that would pave the way for our road expansion not far from now. Be reminded that a contemporary Chinese construction has the DNA-link to technological advancement; therefore I am optimistic that her fronting of Liberia’s reform is commendable. But is it timely for our government along with the PRC government to complete this project in 349 days before Madam Sirleaf and her officials turn power over to the next government?
In my candid opinion, I am of the conviction that this will be the greatest achievement of our current leadership when it is completed in the scope of time. This ministerial complex though others have stained it (from an ill-informed perspective) to the tenets of misappropriation of tax payers’ money.
But we have apportioned ourselves with the unrelinquished obligation to inform others that this not the Liberian people money rather it is an aid from a superior nation to help in the fostering of development. This development is another way for job creation for wayward youths (Zogos) –casual labourers.
The demolition of this structure will see government appraising residents whose squatted spots fall in the blueprint of the complex. This appraisal will see government relocating, resettling and reimbursing evictees of that territory. It is a hard decision to make but what matters is development. I pity the inconvenience this decision may have caused our fellow compatriots, but the paramount concern for the remnants of the Sirleaf’s Administration is the tangibles.
It is with great due of joy that I say kudos to the People’s Republic of China you have made Liberians proud upon hearing this boost for the motherland. Many thanks and appreciations go to the Madam Sirleaf led government for partnering with China in its (China) quest to reinforce the Economic rights of African countries rather than the political rights that have kept Africa where it is today.
Congratulations! Mama China this breakthrough has booked its place in the Nation’s Chronicles of Honors and Achievements.
Daniel T. Bestman, OGBM, Contributing Writer
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