The Liberian leader, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has again praised Public Works Minister Samuel Kofi Woods for his commitment and dedication to the national development agenda of the government.

President Sirleaf said Minister Woods and his team should be celebrated as "loyal lieutenants" for their commitment and support to the implementation of government programs and promises in the country.

The Liberian leader made the statement yesterday when she dedicated a newly constructed bridge linking Gbonota to Piata in Sanuyea District, lower Bong County.

The 40 km road linked Totota with Piata at the cost of $886,199 and it was constructed by Solid Rocks, a local Liberian construction firm.

President Sirleaf also asked the people of Sanuyea District to celebrate the commitment of the citizens for their cooperation and protection of the contractors' properties during the period of construction, and the success of the Road Project.

She said the women of the district must begin to focus on organizing a stakeholder meeting to develop a cooperative program for the production of crops food to take to the market.

Earlier, the Minister of Public Works Samuel Kofi Woods told the President that the rehabilitation of the road from Totota to Piata and the construction of a new bridge will benefit over 50,000 citizens of Sanuyea District, as wells as Barpolu and Lofa counties.

He said as part of the government efforts to lift Liberians; many lives have been transformed by the construction of roads and bridges throughout the country. Minister Woods noted that the support of the citizens has been very great, hence the investment of government must trigger down into the lives of the people on the road.

The Minister quoted some citizens of Gbonota and Lamadine as saying that transportation fare has reduced between their various locations to Totota as compared to previous transportation rates of $500 to $600 per person.

The Public Works boss informed the citizens of Sanuyea District that it is his "conviction and compassion for the people of Liberia, particular Sanuyea that drive him to make them smile again."

Also speaking at the dedication ceremony, Mr. Belal Hussain, Team leader of the Liberian-Swedish Feeder Roards' Project said the Swedish government goal is to contribute to the poverty reduction strategy of Liberia by ensuring sustainable roads access in targeted communities in Lofa, Bong and Nimba counties.

He assured the President that the project in Sanuyea is achieving its target despite some challenges. He also praised the leadership of Public Works, the consultant, contractors and citizens for playing a vital role to have a satisfactory completion of the project.

Piatta community has been cut off from vehicular movement from the rest of Sanuyea District for more than 30 years since 1980.