India Donates to Liberia-
Photo Credit: INFORMAATION TECHNOLOGY
Monday, December 8, 2014, Monrovia: Transport Minister, Angela Cassell-Bush, has commended the Government and people of India for their generosity in support of our nascent public transport system and assistance to Liberia’s overall development agenda.
Making remarks on Monday, December 8, 2014 on the compound of the National Transit Authority (NTA) in Gardnersville outside Monrovia during the official launch of 15 new Ashok Leyland buses recently donated by the Government and people of India to the Government and people of Liberia, Minister Bush said this donation is part of the outcome of the visit of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to India last year. Touching the historicity of India’s donations, she said the buses followed the first batch of 25 buses in 2010 and annual donations in the years that followed up to this day. She said the 15 buses will contribute to the mass transit fleet that will immensely alleviate the public transportation problem confronting the greater commuting populace of Liberia. In addition to these donations, Minister Bush said the Government of India has also provided after delivery service and training to some staff of the NTA for the smooth and efficient operation of the buses. She praised the Ambassador of India to Liberia with residence in Abidjan, His Excellency Dinish Bhatia and his predecessor, his Excellency Anil Sharan for their efforts in ensuring the delivery of the buses. She also expressed grateful appreciation to the Honorary Consul of India to Liberia affectionately referred to as “JEETY” who played a pivotal role in the follow up actions for these buses.
Continuing her remarks, Minister Bush thanked the President, Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the very strong support she has given and continues to give the NTA and the transport sector at large. She stressed that the President’s personal attention and support in seeking assistance for the transport sector has made all the difference in the improvement and progress being seen in providing services to the people including students, elderly and those in uniform at affordable fares. Minister Bush emphasized that the President’s unrelenting efforts to promote the transport system which directly affects the lives of the ordinary citizens is a clear manifestation of her true love for her people.
Concluding, Minister Bush also lauded the Board of Directors and Management of the National Transit Authority for working untiringly and demonstrating high degree of commitment for the development and efficiency of the transit system.
The occasion was attended by scores of high ranking government officials including Foreign Minister, Augustine Kpehe N’gafuan who earlier on presented the keys of the buses to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Montserrado County District # 12 Representative, Richmond Anderson, the press among others.