Chinese Ambassador Zhou Yuxiao Inspects China-aided Tubman Military Barracks Project

2008-12-08 19:40

By Chinese Embassy in Liberia

(08/12/08)

on-the-spot inspection

H.E. Mr. Zhou Yuxiao, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, inspected the China-aided Tubman Military Barracks Project near Gbanga, Bong County on December 5, 2008. He was joined in the visit by Liberian Defense Minister Brownie Samukai and Maj. Gen. Suraj Abdul Rahman, Army Chief of Staff as well as Sr. Col. Liu Shengli, Military Attaché of the Chinese Embassy.

Mr. Zhu Jun, the Resident Manager of the Chinese constructor, briefed the delegation of the progress so far made of the project. With the joint efforts of both the Chinese and Liberian workers in the past nine months, said Mr. Zhu, the bulk of the work, including the building of housing structures, guest houses, training grounds, main roads and fence, has been done. The remaining work including mainly the interior decoration and equipment installation will be completed in the next three months. The Chinese manager assured the visitors that the barracks will be handed over to the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) on time.

briefing from the resident manager

After a thorough inspection of the project, Ambassador Zhou expressed his satisfaction with the smooth progress and high quality of the project. He praised the Chinese workers for their hard work in spite of numerous difficulties such as poor living conditions, bad transportation and downpours in the raining season. He encouraged the workers to continue their efforts without any distraction. The project, which he firmly believes will be completed in time and in quality, is of great importance to the friendship between the peoples of China and Liberia, said Ambassador Zhou. He also pointed out the importance of training Liberian managerial and technical personnel, which will ensure the smooth transfer and usage of the barracks by the AFL.

Minister Samukai and General Rahman were both pleased with the quality of the project. According to them, when completed, the barracks will serve as one of the best military facilities in Liberia, which will go a long way in the building of AFL. They also thanked China for being always quick and effective in the delivery of aid projects. Once handed over to AFL, the barracks will be utilized and maintained in an effective way, promised the top Liberian defense officials.

meeting with UNMIL Sector 3 Commander

After the inspection, Ambassador paid a call to Brig. Gen. Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar, UNMIL Sector 3 Commander and expressed gratitude to the commander for the valuable support to the Chinese construction company made available by the Bangladeshi Engineering Company.