China Grants US$6m for SKD, Foreign
Ministry Rehab.
Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in
Paynesville
The respective governments of the People's Republic of China and
Liberia yesterday signed a contract valued at close to US$6million.
The contract was signed at the Chinese Embassy in Congo Town.
Finance Minister Lusine Kamara signed on behalf of the Liberian
Government while Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Lin Songtian signed on
behalf of his government.
In keeping with the contract, the amount is to be used by the Liberian
government to renovate the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in
Paynesville, and to rehabilitate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking before the formal signing, Finance Minster Lusine Kamara
commended the Chinese Government for the many assistance to Liberia.
He made specific reference to the Chinese government's recent donation
of rice to Liberia, stressing that such gestures demonstrate the
Chinese Government's concern for Liberia.
Minister Kamara used the occasion to call on the Chinese Government to
focus its assistance to the country in the area of agriculture,
especially relative to rice production, so Liberians can be able to
produce their staple food.
For his part, Chinese Ambassador Lin Songtian said the granting of the
amount is not a new arrangement, but a fulfillment of the Chinese
Government's promise when it renewed diplomatic ties with Liberia some
months back.
He said though the rehabilitation works at both the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and the SKD Sports Complex would cost US$11 million,
the contract only covers about US$6 million.
According to Amb. Songtian, there is a difference but he will continue
to appeal to his government because as he put it, he would like to see
the two projects come to fruition or operation before the first half
of this year.
He said the SKD Sports Complex is very important in the national
reconciliation process, especially at this crucial moment, adding, "we
will do something about this".
He added that his government would continue to extend its helping hand
to Liberia as a cooperative partner in the peace process and for
national reconstruction.
The signing program was attended by officials of the two governments.
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