Liberia: Ellen Dedicates George Bush Bridge

April 27, 2006


President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on Tuesday dedicated a majestically built bridge over the Nun River in Grand Kru County, declaring it as the President George Walker Bush Bridge amidst applause of rejoicing Grand Kru citizens and residents.

Making a speech at the occasion, the President observed that the development of Grand Kru County had for long been neglected.

President Sirleaf urged the citizens to assist the efforts of government in speeding up development of the county.

She made the statement in Barclayville City, where she dedicated a newly constructed multimillion dollar bridge built with the aid of the American government and named in honor of the United States President, George W. Bush.

Constructed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the bridge was deemed necessary when the President, then on the campaign trail in that county, had to travel by canoe on the Nun River.

According to reports, the pictorial of the candidate who was reproduced in the dailies apparently had an impact on the then American envoy, John Blaney, who therefore pledged to persuade his government to do something about the bridge.

In praise of those efforts of the Americans, President Sirleaf described the financial support from the US Government as a great help that generations to come will immensely benefit from.

She said the challenge is now for citizens of the county and elsewhere to help government rebuild and build smaller projects.

Also speaking at the dedicatory ceremony, United States Ambassador Donald Booth thanked the people for honoring his government.

He assured the people of Grand Kru that the bridge named in honor of President George W. Bush will not be the only project his government will undertake in that part of the country.

Meanwhile, citizens of Grand Kru County through Superintendent, Roseline Sneh, have lauded the Governments of Liberia and the United States as well UNOPS, for the construction of the bridge.

The citizens appealed to the Liberian Government and international partners to help rehabilitate the 365 kilometers stretch of road from the bridge to other parts of the county.

They also appealed to President Sirleaf for the construction of 560 hand pumps, 1,000 pit latrines, as well as the construction and renovation of schools for the speedy implementation of the free but compulsory primary education.

The citizens also called for the construction of healthcare facilities to reduce the incidence of illness and disease throughout the country.

In the agricultural sector, Superintendent Sneh, on behalf of the citizens appealed to President Sirleaf for her government to provide 3,600 bags of seed rice to enable them adequately participate in farming activities in the current year.

In response to the appeals, President Sirleaf said consideration would be given to the appeals.

Also present at the dedicatory ceremony were Grand Kru County Senator Blamo Nelson, Public Works Minister, Willis Knuckles, Deputy Public Works Minister Luseni Donzo and Deputy Internal Affairs Minister, Soko V. Sackor.