21 June 2011
Public Works Minister Samuel Kofi Woods, II says his administration will shortly engage in the process of rewarding and recognizing contractors who have performed and are performing in accordance to the terms and condition of their contract.
He said while the Ministry is contemplating on the reclassification of contractors, some contractors have proven excellent evidence of what is physically seen on the ground.
Touring MPW projects ahead of the Independence Day celebration, Minister Woods expressed satisfaction over the level of work done in Margibi, Bong and Lofa Counties, and called on others lagging behind to double-up their steps highlighting quality and standards as they proceed with their work.
The rehabilitation of critical spots along the Gbarnga-Voinjama and the full rehabilitation of the 45 kilometers stretch of road between Voinjama-Foya which will allow vehicles of all kinds to comfortably ply the route. Zorzor to Foya is being rehabilitated by the Finda Construction Company while the Zorzor to Voinjama segment of the road
is being rehabilitated by Westwood Company. Significant percentage of the road link especially culvert installations have been completed.
However, there are some challenges especially between Gbarnga-Zorzor corridor which requires serious attention and the Minister of Public Works has instructed the contractors to redouble their effort by bringing in additional equipment and manpower taking into consideration the weather and timeframe of the contract.
Works between Voinjama-Foya is steadily progressing and the Contractor, SSF Construction Company has assured MPW visiting delegation that it will complete the job ahead of the celebration. Over (30) km of the (45) km road link between Voinjama and Foya has already been completed as agreed upon in the official contract document.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works in collaboration with the Voinjama City Corporation has completed the layout of major streets in the city ahead of the July 26, 2011 Independence Day festivities in Lofa County. The streets completed according to Lofa County Resident Engineer, Robert Gibson, constitutes about (20) km and expressed the Ministry’s determination to do more streets in the city.
Minister Woods and team visited other construction works now on the verge of completion in the city. The areas visited include MPW facility which is undergoing rehabilitation, guest houses being constructed by National Housing Authority (NHA) with funding from the National Oil Company of Liberia, the Lofa Community College
implemented by MUSON, and the Presidential palace funded and overseen by the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.
The MPW delegation was also accompanied on the assessment tour by a team from the Public Procurement and Concession Commission. As one of the largest procuring entities of National Government, the MPW must at all times comply with PPCC law and regulations and according to Madam Mrs. Peggy Varfley Meres the joint assessment afforded she and team the opportunity to see first hand some of the challenges being experienced by the Ministry of Public Works in the field and how these issues can be subsequently addressed.
Other project sites visited outside Lofa County included the Gbartala-Furnitoli road in Bong County and the 300ft long Borlola Bridge located in Margibi County.
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