The Head of Japan International Cooperation in Africa (JICA), Mr. Koji Makino, who is also Chief Representative of JICA, Ghana Office, has disclosed that phase one of the Somalia Drive construction and expansion project has commenced and will be completed by July, 2018, adding that the project is Japan’s biggest cooperation project in Liberia. The head of JICA also expressed hope that the Liberian cabinet would approve of phase two of the project.

Mr. Koji Makino made the statement when he met with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Marjon Kamara, to provide update on works they are presently undertaking in the country.

Mr. Makino further noted that Liberia has been a priority country for Japan, commenting that the Bushrod Island power project that was closed has recommenced after the Ebola outbreak.  He also indicated that this is the final stage of the construction project which he noted will be completed in August of this year generating ten megawatts of current.

According to Mr. Makino, Japan is also implementing a technical cooperation project in the health sector, which he said, has been ongoing for the past one month to strengthen the capacity of health care system in Montserrado County as well as the entire health care system across the country in an effort to contribute to the post Ebola challenges.

He further disclosed that Japan will be hosting  an all Africa meeting in Nairobi, Kenya on August 27 and 28, 2016, and will appreciate the government’s participation in that conference.

In response, Acting Minister Marjon Kamara expressed appreciation for the many bilateral support that Liberia has received from the Government of Japan through JICA.

Minister Kamara said she is encouraged by the level of work done and added that when H.E.  Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf recently met with some high officials of Japan at the World Trade Organization meeting, it was confirmed that the first phase of the Somalia Drive Road has resumed and that Japan was committed to the second phase. He further expressed hope that the implementing period could be reduced so that the project would be done in the shortest possible time frame.

Commenting particularly on the Bushrod Island power project, Minister Kamara said that it will make a real difference to the lives of the Liberian people, stressing that the power supply would further enhance investment opportunities for Liberians.

She said, Japan’s intervention in the country’s post-Ebola health care delivery is very welcoming. She noted that her ministry will work with the Health Ministry to finalize the specific intervention of the Liberian government on the frontline of health recovery program.