Liberia's President to help Tackle Infrastructure challenges...
beninmwangi
is doing a tremendous job with rebuilding and working to get Liberia
back on track.
The story at the bottom of this message is about Liberia's fight to
get Delta airlines to resume direct flights into Monrovia. If this
happens Liberia could see a windfall of vital economic activity. But
the problem is that the Monrovia airports facilities are not up to
international standards, security is also an issue. However, due to
financial constraints the Liberian gov't is unable to bear the cost of
investment.
My question to you is if you were President Ellen John-Sirleaf's
economic advisors what would you suggest as a way to fund renovation
of Roberts Int'l-Monrovia Airport?
the debate between Ethan Z. and Andy Mack at Andys Global View (on
blogspot) re: incremental infrastructure vs entrepreneurial
infrastructure set my mind to working on this, so I was curious to
hear your opinion...
http://allafrica.com/stories/200709101667.html
An Africare Leadership Spotlight: President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of
Liberia and the Road to Reconstructing a Nation
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Africare (Washington, DC)
SPONSOR WIRE
10 September 2007
Posted to the web 10 September 2007
Washington, D.C.
On November 11, 2005, in the West African country of the Republic of
Liberia, a pivotal moment in the history of African politics took
place. With an impressive 59.4 percent popular vote, Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf became the first woman ever to be elected as president of an
African nation.
"I want to hear and now, gratefully acknowledge the powerful voice of
women of all walks of life," stated President Johnson Sirleaf in her
Inaugural Address on January 17, 2006. "Your strength brought us the
victory."
Internationally revered as Africa's "Iron Lady," President Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf is known as a leading promoter of peace, justice and
democratic rule. She grew up in the Liberian capital of Monrovia,
the very city she would later give her inaugural address as the first
leading lady of Liberia, and on the continent of Africa.
Following the devastation of more than two decades of political
corruption, including a fourteen-year civil war, the election served
as a vivid illustration of the increasing demand in Liberia for
political change and renewal of national stability-- A tremendous
challenge that would take the special touch of a woman to confront.
"I always must find a balance between what represents the nickname of
'Iron Lady'--that's where the hard decisions are, and also the one
that says, 'Ma Ellen,' that brings to the table sensitivity of a
mother and a grand mother," noted President Johnson Sirleaf in an
interview just after her election. "Now we need something soft to
heal the wounds of our nation."
Liberia 's wounds are deeply imbedded within the country's
infrastructure. Reconstruction efforts are centered on four key
issues: 1) Expanding Peace and Security, 2) Revitalizing economic
activity 3) Rebuilding infrastructure and providing basic services and
4) Strengthening governance and the rule of law. Within the first
150 days of office, President Johnson Sirleaf vowed to restore
electricity to parts of the capital city, develop strategies to put
Liberians back to work, and bring the economy financial house in
order.
"We need to have schools in every county, hospitals in every county,
economic activity in every county... and that's part of our canteen of
promise."
To tackle these issues head on, Sirleaf continues to work hand in hand
with international development and relief organizations like Africare,
recognizing that in order to maintain peace, efforts must be centered
on bringing sustainable development to the people.
The looting and destruction of public infrastructure-including clinics-
were common events during the Liberian civil war. The provision of
quality primary health care following the cessation of hostilities in
2004 was a tremendous challenge. Africare is working to revitalize
health care in some of the Liberia's most rural and segregated
localities.
Africare/Liberia's Improved Community Health Project (ICHP) is a 10
million dollar nationwide effort to increase primary health care
services in Liberia with an emphasis on malaria prevention, increased
immunization, and improved healthcare services. Africare's model of
sustainability and integration is the key to the projects success:
Partnerships have been established with local non-governmental
organizations and community-based organizations for program
implementation while links have been strengthened between communities
and clinics. ICHP now manages 37 clinics in 3 counties, and reaches
dozens of neighboring community with its services.
"Africare's work is dedicated to helping African's help themselves,"
noted Africare President Julius E. Coles. "Our programs are
constructed under the fundamental belief that empowering communities
will develop and sustain healthy economies and infrastructures.
Africare joins hand in hand with the people of Liberia as we continue
down the road of reconstruction."
"I have known President Johnson Sirleaf for thirty-five years." said
Coles. "I have tremendous respect for her, and the passion she has
for her country. I am also very pleased to say that she will be
honored at this year's Bishop Walker Dinner as we salute the
empowerment of women in Africa. Ellen serves as a shining beacon and
testament to our theme of women empowerment."
---------
On October 18, 2007, President Johnson Sirleaf will join Africare at
the 2007 Bishop Walker Dinner in Washington D.C. Here, she will be
honored for her efforts to bring peace and economic prosperity to
Liberia, and for her work to enhance the role that women play in the
reconstruction process. All proceeds from the event will go to
support Africare's development work on the continent of Africa.
For more information the 2007 Bishop John T. Walker Dinner, contact
the Africare dinner Office at (202) 328 -5364 or e-mail
din...@africare.org.
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http://thevisiononline.net/?m=200705
By Semantics King,Jr.,Amarillo,Texas, USA
American billionaire Robert Johnson is exerting his influence to
facilitate the resumption of direct flights from the United States of
America to Liberia.
At a meeting in Atlanta on Monday organized by Mr. Johnson, the
Chairman of Delta Airlines, James Whitehurst described as good,
prospects for direct flights to Liberia by Delta. Mr. Whitehurst,
however, said certain measures must be put in place to satisfy Federal
Aviation Authority (FAA) conditions for the resumption of direct
flights from the United States to Liberia.
The measures include the privatisation of handling and the provision
of adequate security at the airport as well as the upgrading of
aviation equipment to international standards. Once these measures
have been put in place, the Delta Chief informed President Johnson
Sirleaf, direct flights between the United States and Liberia could
resume.
The President has meanwhile directed Liberia's Aviation boss Archie
Williams and Liberia's Ambassador to the United States Charles Minor
to communicate with the Delta Airlines, a request by government to
include Liberia as one of its routes to Africa.
An Executive Mansion dispatch from Atlanta,Georgia, quotes the
Liberian leader as saying, the resumption of direct flights between
the United States and Liberia would further attract investors to the
country and help to open more investment opportunities for Liberia.
Aviation Chief Williams said he was optimistic that Liberia would meet
all conditions for the resumption of direct flights to the United
States. He disclosed that the Federal Aviation Authority of the United
States has provided through the United States Agency for International
Development( USAID), 3.4 million United States dollars to upgrade
facilities at the Roberts International Airport to internationally
acceptable standards. USAID, he said is in the process of scheduling
bidding for the contract to commence the upgrading of the Airport.
In a related development, the President has invited the Crane Group
International to visit Liberia and survey the investment potentials of
the country. The Group which specializes in building construction said
it is interested in investing in affordable housing in Liberia.