With the unbending desire to rescue Liberia and Liberians locally and internationally in all sectors, President Joseph N. Boakai has broken ground for the construction of the Liberia Petroleum and Refining Company (LPRC) 17,000 cubic meter state-of-the-art laboratory to test petroleum before use.
“I want to let the Liberians know that we only have one reason [to be] where we are: to build this country, create portable society, help our people to come into business to open the corridor for development for our country,” President Boakai said shortly before he broke ground for the pending project.
The project, which will be completed after 14 months, will increase the petroleum storage capacity from 51,000-plus to 64,000 metric tons, and raise sale tax, import leverage and road funds for government.
The negotiation of the project started in 2015 under the Unity Party’s administration of former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf when the rehabilitation of the storage tank was perceived by the then management when the place was dilapidated and caused many losses for storage areas, according to LPRC’s Managing Director, Amos Tweh.
However, the negotiation with the bank went 85% with 11% interest, but the 2017 general elections did not allow the Unity Party to continue due to regime change to the George Weah administration. The Congress for Democratic Change government did not continue it, the manager indicated.
“The interest rate was 11%. We negotiated and reduce it to 9%, which saved the government US$406,000 for the period of three years,” LPRC Director Tweh said.” It was already signed, but we negotiated to construct a state-of-the-art laboratory for the Republic of Liberia that has no additional cost to the government and LPRC.”
Moreover, Managing Director Tweh revealed that the state-of-the-art for petroleum facility, when completed, will be certificated by the International Standard Organization so that the company or importers do not travel outside Liberia to test petroleum products when there is a dispute.
“LPRC will increase its own revenue and contribute more to Liberia’s economy,” Tweh said. “The terminology we be hearing about petroleum shortage. We will never hear that again in this country as you [Boakai] are President.”
Speaking, President Boakai said Liberia is 177th years and still behind in everything. He added that his administration’s action is not discriminatory, or against anyone, but is to position Liberia to the right place, and for development.
“We have no apology. We are going to do it with God’s help,” he said.
The President thanked Director Tweh, and said the 17,000 cubic meter lab is a big contribution. LPRC is not going to compete in retaliating. “It is going to support the storage facility and all those areas where we’ve fallen short and making other people to take over.” He added that “Liberia must be for Liberians only, and that is it”!