Deputy Public Works Minister for Technical Services Jenkins Mends-Cole says the protection of Liberia’s infrastructure depends on the collective approach of all Liberians.

Speaking at the dedicatory ceremony of a newly launched Bailey bridge in Sinje, Grand Cape Mount County on January 28, 2010, Minister Mends-Cole said the bridge is indeed significant to the inhabitants because it will help accelerate economic and social activities for residents of Grand Cape Mount and Bomi Counties.

He said Public Works is collaborating with other bilateral partners in rehabilitating roads, bridges and public buildings but requires the full cooperation of all Liberians in maintaining and protecting these infrastructures.

The Deputy Public Works Minister thanked the Pakistani contingent of UNMIL for collaborating with engineers of the Ministry of Public Works in the construction of these Bailey bridges classifying them as true friend of Liberia. He also paid special tribute to soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia for their hard work, saying “I am touched and overwhelmed by your smart approach in responding to training acquired from UNMIL in the launching of Bailey bridges. I am proud of your determination to learn at such a high speed”.

He put the construction cost of the 80 feet long Bridge at roughly US$85,000 which includes logistics and labour. He said the bridge would afford inhabitants of the community the opportunity to transport their goods to the market as well as sick people to the hospitals.

Also speaking at the program, the Force Commander of UNMIL Lieutenant General Sikander Afzal said he was honored by the level of work done by engineers of the Pakistani contingent, MPW and AFL for jointly working together in making this dream a reality. He said other strategic areas besides the regular peace keeping efforts will be prioritized in the rehabilitation of Liberia’s reconstruction drive but pleaded with Liberians to protect and maintain the peace.

The program which attracted scores of government officials, officials of UNMIL, Defense Ministry, AFL, local and traditional leaders, students and youth groups was characterized by jubilation   and cultural performances.

The dedication of Sinje Bailey Bridge by the Ministry of Public Works brings to three in less than a month. Earlier this month, MPW launched two Bailey Bridges in Nyanforla and Careysburg in Margibi, Bong and Montserrado Counties respectively.

In another development, MPW and CICO have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at accelerating ongoing road rehabilitation in Monrovia. Among other things, the MOU calls for the doubling of shifts to enhance road work as well as the recognition of constrains.

Deputy Public Works Minister Jenkins Mends-Cole signed for the Ministry of Public Works while the Managing Director of CICO Liu Libo signed for CICO.