The Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) has officially unveiled the Draft Final Report of the Master Plan Study on Urban Facilities Restoration and Improvement in Monrovia.

The study was jointly undertaken by the Japanese and Liberian Governments in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs, Ministry of Land, Mines and Energy, Monrovia City Corporation, The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation and Other Stakeholders.

The Master Plan study consists of major factors to Monrovia urban facilities restoration, urban development, land use, road and transport, ground water development and water supply, and storm water drainage; it was officially unveiled yesterday, September 28, 2009 during a one-day on the plan in Monrovia.

Public Works Minister Samuel Kofi Woods said after an exhaustive collaboration and participation of other line Ministries and agencies in arriving at workable framework for the establishment of a master plan, the process to the implementation of the work is under serious consideration.

Speaking at the seminar at the Cape Hotel, Minister Woods said the current Infrastructure of Liberia, which bridges, roads and drainages, are far below 30% prior to its final existence before the civil war.

He asserted that the urban facilities especially within the Monrovia areas have been stretched by rapid population growth for the past few years due to the movement and concentration of people in the urban areas.

He said the study on urban facilities restoration developed is the result of President Sirleaf's visit to Japan in 2007, where she held fruitful discussion with the Japanese government over the master plan study.

The objectives of the study, according to Minister Woods, were to compile master plan for recovery and reconstruction of urban facilities in greater Monrovia and to compile project implementation plan targeting roads, public water supply and the sewage and storm water drainage facilities; to implement the transfer of technology for compilation of development plans among counterparts and agencies of the government of Liberia.

"The study areas of the master plan are the greater Monrovia which includes the city of Monrovia, Paynesville and Johnsonville. The scope of the master plan which was done in partnership with the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) include, the formulation of the future vision and approach to urban restoration and improvement in the targeted year of 2019; the formulation of land use plan analysis of actual traffic condition; the formulation of restoration plan for sewage sectors; formulation for restoration for storm among others", Minister Woods maintained.

The study was divided into three groups which include the steering committee, working group and mini workshops. The steering committee was chaired by the Ministry of Public Works with Planning and Economic Affairs Ministry serving as co-chair.

Also speaking at the seminar, the Chief Representative of JICA Mr. Kunihiro Yamauchi, said the master plan focused on the recovery and reconstruction of urban facilities, which are road, public water supply, sewage and drainage. "We conducted the study for one year and compiled the results as a draft master plan. Today, we will share it with related organizations. I hope that today's seminar would be fruitful and valuable for all of you and us", Mr. Kunihiro outlined.

For her part, the acting City Mayor of Monrovia Madam Mary Broh, thanked the steering committee for the work which she termed as excellent. She said the impact of the post conflict situation is manifested in the mismatch of available basic urban infrastructure and services and the needs of the existing population of the city and its surrounding areas. She further stressed that the master plan provides a chapter for physical and spatial planning in land use, urban transportation and roads, potable water supply and storm water drainage in Monrovia.

In another development, the company hired to rebuild the Via Town Bridge linking Waterside Market to Bushrod Island (CICO) has purchased additional equipment from a Liberia owned business, the Continental Machinery and Support service. The W.100 Cold Planner road builder is made in the federal Republic of Germany.

Making the official presentation to CICO at a brief ceremony graced by Minister Woods yesterday, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company Sando T. Johnson said the equipment is the latest and fast moving material available in recent times. He expressed his institution's commitment to buttressing the rebuilding of road in Liberia. He also thanked CICO for the opportunity accorded him to enter into business transaction.

Making a brief statement at the presentation program, Minister Woods expressed excitement over the equipment and hope that it will accelerate the progress on the implementation of the ongoing road rehabilitation. He called for the enhancement of a public/private partnership, especially with the participation of Liberian owned companies.

The head of CICO, Fu Lianqguan, said his institution will always include the participation of Liberians in enhancing its work in Liberia. He maintained that CICO will accelerate its present work in country.