BUCHANAN – On Monday, June 10, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding from the Japanese government, officially handed over the Fanti Town FTT-Fish processing facility in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, to the Government of Liberia through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA). This facility is one of three completed fisheries facilities aimed at improving fish processing, enhancing food safety, and supporting small-scale businesses (SSF) using the FAO-Thiaroye Technique (FTT).

The “Livelihood Empowerment of Women in Small-Scale Fisheries” project, implemented in partnership with NaFAA, is designed to benefit women in fisheries across Grand Bassa County, known as Fishmongers. The facility features modern fish dryers with preservation capabilities, addressing the critical need to enhance the livelihoods of fisherfolk and ensure sustainable fish processing and marketing practices. This project has culminated in the construction of state-of-the-art fish processing facilities and a fish market, marking a first in Liberia.

During the handover ceremony, NaFAA Director General Madam Emma Metieh Glassco lauded the FTT technology as a transformative development for women involved in fish processing and sales. She emphasized that this modern technique, developed through collaboration between local experts and international partners, will revolutionize the handling, preservation, and marketing of fish products in Liberia.

“The introduction of the FTT technology is a game-changer. This modern fish processing technique, developed through collaborative efforts between our local experts and international partners, promises to revolutionize the way we handle, preserve, and market our fish products. It is an exceptional multifaceted approach to addressing the key issues faced by our fisherfolk, especially our fishmongers,” said Madam Glassco.

She highlighted the health risks associated with traditional smoking methods, which often expose workers to harmful smoke and toxic compounds. The FTT system, she noted, significantly reduces these risks by providing a cleaner, safer working environment, thereby investing in the well-being of community members.

“Our traditional smoking methods often expose workers to harmful smoke and toxic compounds. The FTT system significantly reduces these health risks by providing a cleaner, safer working environment. This is not just an investment in technology but an investment in the well-being of our community members,” she added.

Madam Glassco also emphasized the environmental sustainability of the FTT technology, which uses less wood for smoking and reduces the carbon footprint. She stated that this aligns perfectly with NaFAA’s commitment to sustainable practices and preserving natural resources for future generations.

She extended gratitude to the government and people of Japan for funding the construction of the three FTT facilities in Banjor, Marshall, and Buchanan City. She also thanked the FAO family for their partnership in implementing the project and the local county authorities, community, and fisherfolk for their cooperation in making this dream a reality.

In a related development, FAO representative Madam Bintia Stephen Tchicaya highlighted the alignment of the FTT project with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Our work in Buchanan is directly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By investing in the livelihoods of women in small-scale fisheries and promoting sustainable practices, we are contributing to the achievement of these global goals,” she said.

She further mentioned that the FAO Strategic Framework seeks to transform agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

Keynote Speaker President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Hon. Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, urged the Fishmongers to ensure full utilization and maintenance of the FTT facility, reflecting the appreciation of Grand Bassa County’s residents for the FAO’s implementation of the project and the Japanese government’s funding.

MONROVIA – The governments of Liberia and Japan have signed a grant agreement for the project extension of the Japan Freeway Road Corridor.

By Willie N. Tokpah/0777039231

The signing will provide a detailed design of the project extension which covers the rehabilitation of a 1.9 km section from the West end of the Japan Freeway to the north intersection of Gabriel Tucker Bridge.

The project is crucial for logistics in Liberia since it connects the downtown and the Freeport of Monrovia. Also at the Freeport Junction, the road further links up Japan Freeway which leads to the suburbs of Monrovia as the eastern part of Liberia.

During his inaugural address in January, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai mentioned that expanding and improving the road network is one of the top priorities for Liberia.

The preparation survey of the project was conducted by Japanese Consultants from October 2022 to October 2023

At the signing ceremony Tuesday, March 5, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia, Ms. Momoko SUZUKI, Country Representative for JICA Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone noted that JICA has been at the forefront of supporting Infrastructure projects in Liberia, namely, road and electricity.

The reconstruction of Somalia Drive, now Japan Freeway, according to SUZUKI, which was carried out from 2012 to 2021 was a remarkable outcome.

She expressed delight that several individuals have benefited from improved traffic flow since the completion of the project.

 SUZUKI further hailed Liberia, particularly, the Ministry of Public Works for its unwavering cooperation towards the survey.

During the signing ceremony, Japan AmAmbassadoro Liberia, H. E. Hisanobu Mochizuki informed the gathering, that Japan the importance of the project to Liberia, and as such the Japanese Parliament is exerting efforts to complete the final processes, to begin the project.

Ambassador Mochizuki noted that the signing ceremony detailed design of the project was vital so that both JICA and the Project Consultant could have all the information needed to assist the Parliament in completing its internal procedure. 

He said Japan understands the importance of establishing the tiniest infrastructure foundation and the time it may take to promote and stimulate the economy.

Therefore, Mochizukisaidd infrastructure development is a major theme at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development(TICAD).

Similarly, Mochizuki sees infrastructure as one of the key pillars of Japanese-Liberia Cooperation.

“We began construction on Phase 1 and 2 of the former Somali Drive, which has now been renamed the Japan Freeway, in 2013 and 2016, respectively,” Ambassador Mochizuki elucidated.

“These two phases were successfully finished, thanks to the cooperation of both sides, particularly JICA and Liberia Ministry of Public Works. Today we are formalizing another procedure that will build upon the Japan Freeway’s high-quality Phase 1 and 2.”

He further recognizes the dedication of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which has been a key conduit for the Japanese government’s strategic and all-encompassing approach to supporting Liberia’s infrastructure development.

Ambassador Mochizuki expressed confidence that the government, through the Ministry of Public Works, will provide strong leadership and cooperation to effectively coordinate all relevant stakeholders, so that the process can be completed, hence committing JICA and Japanese Consultants to provide all necessary assistance to facilitate the process.

Mochizuki then recognized the bilateral cooperation between Japan and Liberia, which he said has witnessed key technical support and infrastructure development over the years, promising more technical support from his government.

Signing on behalf of the Liberian Government, Foreign Affairs Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti noted that the signing of the exchange notes and grant extension speaks to a decade of relationship and the impact Japan has had on Liberia through several developments, including human capital and infrastructure.

According to Minister Nyanti, the signing is also a manifestation of Japan’s holistic love for Liberia.

“This relation and partnership, we can guarantee you, will be further strengthened and deepened.

 She narrated that infrastructure and road development are at the height of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s priorities for Liberia, adding, ” If we don’t have access to the market, agriculture will be meaningless.”

Minister Nyanti believes Japan’s investment in Liberia has a significant contribution to education and demonstrates that the Japanese have a long-term relationship with Liberia.

“I can guarantee you that with the leaders around the table responsible, we will bring the quality and effectiveness desire,” Minister Nyanti added.

During the ceremony, Public Works Minister Roland L. Giddings said the Japanese government has been committed to improving the Japan Freeway.

Minister Giddings expressed excitement for Japan’s involvement with the project, especially when sustainability and the maintenance of the road have become an issue.

He further said he was glad that the project had been extended from the Gabriel Tucker Bridge to the Freeport of Monrovia.

Giddings names the project as important because the road is an economic belt for trade in the country.  He notes that the government is moreover looking for the possibility of extending the road from Freeport to St. Paul Bridge and as far as Virginia.

Minister Goddings then commended Japan for the Community infrastructure project in Liberia, which he said led to the opening of several corridors in the community and committed Liberia to live up to what is required under the agreement.

Monrovia – The Government and People of Japan have approved a grant of US$217,780 for the commencement of phase one of the Modern Duala Market Project.

Phase one of the Modern Duala Market project for which the grant has been approved will include, the fencing, lightening, construction of reservoir and pit latrines.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the objective of the construction of a modern Duala Market is to decongest the corridor for the easy movement of goods and people and to also accelerate economic activities in that part of the country and it’s immediate surroundings.

The release further disclosed that the second phase of the project entails the construction of a three-story market building, which will have a parking lot, office space and a concrete garbage disposal site.

The Modern Duala Market will accommodate a little over 5000 marketers.

The proposed Modern Duala Market will be financed by the Japanese Counterpart Value Fund currently being managed and operated by the Japanese Counterpart Valued Fund Secretariat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This is not the only project that the Japanese Government is engaged in in Liberia. The Japanese Government through JICA, is intervening in the areas of power, road reconstruction and capacity building of health workers.

Also, JICA has been supportive through the United Nation Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in helping vulnerable people through vocational training and jobs creation. 

Monrovia – The Government of Japan through the Japan Corporation Agency (JICA) has officially announced the completion of a Japan-funded 10MW Power plant project in Liberia. The plant is expected to be turned over in September later this year.

Report by Edwin G. Genoway, Jr – edwin.genoway@frontpageonline.com

The disclosure was made on Monday when a JICA delegation from the Japanese Embassy in Ghana headed by the Embassy Press Secretary, Mr. Masa Iida, toured Japanese funded projects in Liberia. The 10mw power plant project started two years ago.

The power plant, when completed and turned over to the LEC will boost the energy sector by increasing customers, dropping tariff on electricity in the country. The head of JICA field office in Liberia, Shigeki Namba, said the lifespan of the plant is for 25 years.

He disclosed that a fuel house which will supply the power plant that consumes about seven hundred liters (700) of fuel is also being constructed alongside it.

“This project started two years ago and we are nearing completion, we will officially complete and turn over this project in September this year,” he explained. 

The delegation also visited the reconstruction of the Somalia Drive Road in Monrovia, and the project for the rehabilitation of Monrovia Power system which was suspended due to Ebola outbreak in Liberia.

Mr. Namba noted that upon completion and turning over of the project, the LEC will carry on maintenance of the power plant in the absence of Japanese engineers.

LEC Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Joseph T. Mayah, said people have been trained to manage the plant, saying, the LEC will manage the plant in the absence of their Japanese engineers.

He said the equipment being used by the Japanese is durable. “There is no problem with the equipment, they are durable and will last long, and our engineers have been trained to manage these equipment.

Another thing I want to make clear is that we received US$27million grant from the Japanese government, we are appreciative to the government of Japan for that grant we benefiting here,” he noted.

Deputy Director Mayah noted that the 10mw power plant is a great boost to the LEC, saying it will increase power in the country and more citizens will benefit from the plant.

He thanked the Government of Japan for the continual assistance to Liberia, mainly in the energy and construction sectors.

The delegation also visited the Somalia Drive road construction where it was announced that the pavement of the road will also start during the upcoming dry season.

The engineer doing the Somalia Drive Road told the JICA delegation that the road pavements will begin this year dry season.

The Deputy Director of Project Development Department, Youchi Okamoto, noted that phase one of the project is the Stanton Creek Bridge which is already in progress.

Mr. Okamoto noted that his company is doing the first two lane road and afterward do the next two lanes to compete the four lanes. He noted that the entire project for the road cost US$40Million.