NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has broken ground for the construction of a new US$20-million Ministry of Justice Complex on Capitol Hill, in the Budget Bureau Community near the Executive Mansion.
When completed, the complex will house the Ministry of Justice and its auxiliary institutions, including the Liberia National Fire Service, Liberia Immigration Service and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, among others.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony early Thursday, President Boakai reflected on Liberia’s development history, noting that if the country had invested in public buildings in earlier years, there would be no need today to construct such a complex.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
“Public buildings are permanent buildings; they are not cheap buildings. Had we built public buildings over the years, they would still be in use today. That is why we are determined to build public buildings,” President Boakai said.
He acknowledged that while public buildings may be costly, they are necessary and provide long-term value. “We are building public buildings today. It may be expensive, but you will get your money’s worth, and it is more important,” he added.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to constructing a new Temple of Justice, which is also located on Capitol Hill, stressing that the time has come to erect public structures that represent not only institutions but the nation as a whole.
Accountability for the US$20 Million Project
President Boakai emphasized that the construction of the Ministry of Justice Complex must be carried out properly and transparently, warning against any form of shortcuts or substandard work.
“We want this work to go on in the proper way—no shortcuts. It must be done with quality because people say they are building for Liberia, and we want the best for Liberia,” he stated.
He further assured the public that government engineers will closely monitor all contractors working on public projects to ensure strict adherence to quality standards.
“That is why we have our engineers to check everything and everyone working on projects in this country. They will verify what is being done to ensure that what is put here meets the required standards,” President Boakai said.
