Monrovia — The Government of the People's Republic of China has turned over to the Liberian Government, newly renovated and expanded facilities of the Liberia Broadcasting System.

Wednesday's ceremony also marked the formal launch of the China/LBS Radio Project, under which the Chinese Government has provided a 10-thousand kilowatt FM transmitter to boost the station's radio transmission throughout the country. A second transmitter has also been provided by the Chinese to relay English programs produced by China Radio International throughout Liberia. The transmission will also provide 3-hours of radio programming in Chinese.

Speaking at the turning over program, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, lauded the growing partnership between the Governments of China and Liberia. The President acknowledged the constructive role China continues to play in all areas of government's development under the country's Poverty Reduction Strategy. China's decision to expand the broadcast facilities of the country, an Executive Mansion release quotes the President as saying, could not have come at a better time, given the ever increasing need to adequately inform Liberians of the progress taking place in the country. The President also lauded the management of the Liberia Broadcasting system for its leadership role and partnership with Chinese experts in ensuring the completion of the project.

The President reminded the management of the Liberia Broadcasting System to ensure that the station remains objective, neutral, and apolitical in the dissemination of information to the Liberia people, adding, 'concentrate on development.'

Chinese Ambassador Zhou Yuxiao, also in remarks, assured the President and the people of Liberia that his country will continue to remain supportive of the development needs of Liberia. The Chinese ambassador said his country will ensure that other projects being undertaking by his government are delivered in time. The Government of China is currently engaged in several infrastructure development projects including the construction of an annex at the University of Liberia Fendal campus on the outskirts of Monrovia and the construction of a military barracks in Bong County.

The Director of the System, Mr. Charles Snetter, praised the President and the Governments of Liberia and China for supporting the development of the nation's broadcasting sector. He spoke of the many challenges facing the station, but noted that LBS remains prepared to play a pivotal role in government's recovery drive. Mr. Snetter expressed the hope that government will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure that the station continues to play its role in the reconstruction of the country.

The cost of the LBS-China Aided FM Radio Expansion Project is put at US $4-million. The station is now well placed to cover the entire country with relay outstations in six counties, including Lofa, Bong, Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, Bomi, and Maryland. The facilities are also equipped with a microwave satellite link, to boost transmitted signals from the System's headquarters in Monrovia to its outstations around the country.

Under terms of an Understanding between China and Liberia, the Government of China will provide maintenance for the facilities for one year, after which Radio China International will contract a Chinese Firm to provide maintenance for an additional four years.

Wednesday's program was witnessed by the Vice President of China Radio International, Mr. Wang Yunpeng, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Liberia Broadcasting System, Information Minister, Laurence Bropleh and Liberia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Conmany Wesseh, who along with Chinese ambassador, Zhou Yuxiao, earlier signed an agreement formally turning over the facilities to the Government of Liberia.