President Sirleaf Launches China-Aided Project of School Buildings at UL

Monrovia, Liberia - Visiting the University of Liberia (UL), President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has today launched the China-aided project of school buildings within the Fendall Campus of UL.

The project, which costs US$21.5 million, is funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China and is to be completed by April, 2010. Upon completion, the Fendall Campus of the University of Liberia will include a four story comprehensive teaching building, 4 two-story dormitory buildings for students and 5 three-story apartment buildings for faculty members. The campus will also have a water tower, a generator house, a water treatment room and a sports field. Additional facilities will include two basketball courts and two tennis courts.

In remarks prior to performing the formal launch, President Johnson Sirleaf stressed that the project marks what she called ‘an important landmark in Liberia’s quest to prioritize education in Liberia’. She added that the project is significant in several respects, mentioning that it represents her Government’s priority on education. The Liberian leader further added that it signifies strong partnerships demonstrated by China's and America's participation. She, however, frowned on some Liberians who are bent on stalling the development process by stealing construction materials on the site, adding that the actions of a few persons would ultimately impede the progress of the majority.
 
For his part, Chinese Ambassador Zhou Yuxiao expressed the hope that the project will contribute significantly to education in Liberia. He observed that the construction is proceeding due to the level of peace in the country. The Chinese envoy further challenged the University students not to take peace for granted, but rather work towards strengthening it in the country. He reiterated his government’s support towards working harder to obtain more scholarships for Liberians to study in China as well as to offer Chinese lessons at the University of Liberia. Ambassador Zhou commended Liberia and the international community for the concerns shown after the recent earthquake in China.
 
Speaking earlier, the President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Al-hassan Conteh, stressed the University of Liberia’s aim to restore its legacy by launching the China-added projects.

The launching of the China-aided project at the Fendall campus also brought together members of the University’s Board of Trustees, the Faculty Senate, members of the diplomatic corps, students, well-wishers and the media.