As part of Liberia's 166th Independence Anniversary, the Government of Liberia (GoL) on Thursday, July 24, 2013 dedicated two new re-enforced concrete bridges (RECB) in Bomi County.

The two new bridges were dedicated by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Acting Public Works Minister, Mr. Victor B. Smith in Clay and Guie Towns respectively.

Speaking to journalists following the dedicatory ceremonies, Min. Smith disclosed that the two bridges cost US$1M, meaning, it cost US$500,000 each. According to him, the bridges were constructed on a public/private partnership initiative.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Public Works provided the engineering expertise for the design, while Western Cluster Limited (WCL) provided the US$1M for the construction of the bridges was provided by Western Cluster.

The acting Public Works Ministry boss further disclosed that each of the two re-enforced concrete bridges has a life span of 100 years demanding on a proper maintenance mechanism that will be put in place.

Asked by this writer about other development plans by the Ministry, he added: "We will continue from where former Minister Woods stopped and move forward. Mr. Woods is a fine gentleman, whose regime many of these development projects started. We need to exercise our responsibility by continuing at where he ended, and even move beyond by beginning other new development projects."

Meanwhile, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has lauded WCL for complementing government's efforts in the development drive of the country.

"I am really excited with Western Cluster. I want to use this time to commend them for partnering with the government in the development drive of our country," said the Liberian leader.

"We need this kind of public/private partnership as we move on to development our country. I hope Western Cluster well in their endeavor, and I thank the Ministry of Public Works for being up to the task," President Johnson-Sirleaf added.