UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA - AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER
Industrial and Development Profile of Liberia

Industrial and Development Profile of Liberia

             INVESTMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROFILE

                         FREE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

                           REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

 ________________________________________________________________
The reconstruction and growth of the economy of Liberia will be the result of labor intensive, job creating, revenue generating, and export oriented industries. Stimulation of the economy will center on diversification and widening of popular participation in the private sector.

The Free Democratic Party will restructure and broaden the national financial, marketing and distribution systems by initiating the spread of telecommunications, roads, airports, educational facilities, housing, public electric and water utilities, health care facilities, agricultural development, as well as ensuring Liberia's commitment to fair multilateral trade with neighboring countries.

The Free Democratic Party fosters a national goal of the Republic of Liberia being a highly advanced and economically self-sufficient industrial nation.

PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

1. INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS

With air traffic in Africa controlled by the bigger European airlines, African airlines must concentrate on intercity regional routes. With the purchase of five forty seater fuel efficient turbo prop aircrafts, the Liberia National Airlines (LNA) will offer shuttle flights between capitals and larger cities of the West African region. LNA will offer connecting flights with intercontinental airlines, in order to shuttle passengers to destinations outside the routes of larger airlines. The French built ATR 42 and ATR 72 have proven to be efficient airplanes within the 1000 mile range of West African capital cities. With the construction of two additional International airports in Eastern and Northern Liberia, this endeavour will be enhanced.

Jobs created: 600 Investment (USD): 45,000,000

2. NATIONAL AIRPORTS

The fast movement of goods and services as well as mail is of importance to speedy development. In addition to improved and extended roads and telecommunications systems, national airports in every county, coupled with an efficient airlines system will connect cities and people.

Jobs created: 1300 Investment (USD): 19,500,000

3. FIRE STATIONS / POLICE STATIONS

Public safety involves protecting life and property of citizens not only against criminals, but also against natural catastrophies and accidents. The Infrastructure and Industrial Program offered by the Free Democratic Party will allow citizens to find jobs and remain resident in their respective counties. It is therefore imperative that the public safety services in each county are functional, efficient and adequate.

Jobs created: 350 Investment (USD): 10,400,000

4. POST OFFICES / BANKS

National and international business requires functional and adequate postal facilities. We propose to extend postal services beyond receiving and distributing mail to offering banking services to customers, Through banks established at every county post office, citizens will save and earn interest with a reputable bank as opposed to keeping funds at home.

Jobs created: 350 Investment (USD): 3,900,000

5. TELEPHONE EXCHANGES

Faster and more efficient communications systems throughout the country would allow businesses to function properly, citizens to be well informed about current events, and politicians, city and state administrators to quickly reach targeted areas of development.

Jobs created: 250 Investment (USD): 7,800,000

6. HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

The provision of more medical facilities will alleviate the strain on existing facilities. The provision of hospital facilities in each of Liberia's thirteen counties while supporting the hospitals with two clinics in each county would ensure a modest start in catering to the health needs of Liberia.

Jobs created: 2200 Investment (USD): 64,500,000

7. HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER PLANTS

With the world's supply of fossil fuel shrinking, and the rate of industrialization multiplying, it becomes imperative to turn to natural sources of energy, without depleting the earth's limited resources. It is equally important to develop and enhance electic power generation to develop the industrial sector of Liberia. Liberia has several large rivers, which if properly regulated, could provide most of the nation's electric energy needs and well as provide fishing industries. Dams constructed on the St. John, Loffa and Sinoe rivers will ensure the electric energy needs for an industrialized Liberia.

Jobs created: 1500 Investment (USD): 39,000,000

8. UNIVERSITIES, POLYTECHNICS AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS

If a country's educational system fails to cater to all sectors of the population, in all areas of the country, then one of the pillars of industrial development is missing. With the only national university in Monrovia, students whose parents are not earning enough to send them to Monrovia for higher learning will not develop to full potential. We therefore offer that three regional universities will be provided. Polytechnics offering associate degrees will be built in each county, as well as two vocational schools per county. Vocational schools in each county will provide the necessary skilled workers for industries located in each county. Thus, the human resource base for the provision of simulteneous development throughout Liberia will have been satisfied. The universities, polytechnics and vocational schools will also be equipped with public libraries.

Jobs created: 10500 Investment (USD): 735,000,000

9. INTERCITY EAST-WEST PARKWAYS, NORTH-SOUTH HIGHWAYS

One of the chief impediments to speedy development is the inavailability of roads to bring goods and services to people and markets. The existing roadways of Liberia are not only inadequate but obsolete as they do not link all major cities. In view of this, the we offer the construction of three major east-west intercounty parkways - one along Liberia's 350 mile coast, the second running through the center of the country, and the third in the north. We also offer eight north-south intercity highways linking all major north and central counties as well as cities with the coast. This road network will enhance intercity trade and link all counties with sea harbors for the export of goods and products.

Jobs created: 35,000 Investment (USD):3,300,000,000

10. FISHING HARBORS

With 350 miles of coastline, and territorial waters stretching two hundred miles into the Atlantic Ocean, the supply of seafood products for export as well as domestic basic food protein can be satisfied. Fishing harbors to be located in Grand Cape Mount, Rivercess and Grand Kru counties will provide the necessary infrastructure for docking, cold storage, smoking and drying, packaging and export of Liberian fish.

Jobs created: 6000 Investment (USD): 105,000,000

11. RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS

If Liberia is to become integrated into the developed world of science and technology, it is paramount that the people of Liberia have instant and unhindered access to current events in the world. Mass media as well as visual and audio communications is effective in eliminating high levels of ignorance and illiteracy caused by the neglect of previous governments. We therefore offer that each political subdivision or county will operate its own television and radio stations.

Jobs created: 105 Investment (USD): 10,500,000

PRIVATE SECTOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

1. FOOD PROCESSING PLANTS

Liberia of the nineties must become a food exporting country because of its fertile soil. Investments in agriculture storage and processing facilities in the short term will concentrate on preserving the foods that are already produced by private farms, so that food products will be available throughout the year. In the long term, emphasis will be placed on large farm cultivations, storage and processing facilities for both domestic and export consumption.

Jobs created: 1500 Investment (USD): 19,500,000

2. SUGAR REFINERIES

Sugar Cane, which is used in sugar production in the tropics, grows abundantly in Liberia with or without the help of farmers. With the establishment of refineries throughout the counties, farmers will be provided with the incentive to cultivate sugar cane. Besides producing sugar and syrup, medical alcohol and beverages will be produced for domestic and export consumption.

Jobs created: 4000 Investment (USD): 32,000,000

3. MILLWORK / WOODWORK

Although tropical woods are highly prized and sought throughout the world, any country which does not develop industries for the processing of timber on its soil, may soon realize that revenues earned from timber exports are inadequate to purchase industrial goods. Hence, we foster home industries in the manufacture of finished and semi-finished wood products for export. Wood trusses, studs, beams and cloumns as well as pre-fabricated wall elements are more job-creating and revenue-generating. With such facilities in each county, the economic strain on the once thriving Monrovia would be lessened.

Jobs created: 4000 Investment (USD): 19,000,000

4. PAPER MILL

With education as the bedrock of our developing country, and considering that we have the proper climate and soil for the production of pulpwood, paper for literature and newspapers will be locally produced. Additionally, paper for packaging and sanitary usage will be produced for domestic and export consumption.

Jobs created: 4000 Investment (USD): 15,000,000

5. PRINTING AND PUBLISHING

With the availability of locally produced paper, it would be feasible and productive if the printing and publishing industries were developed sumultaneously. To bridge the huge educational gaps between sectors of the population, Liberia will produce reading materials for schools, libraries as well as domestic and export markets. Newspapers and tabloids will be enhanced through good journalism and quality printing.

Jobs created: 1500 Investment (USD): 15,000,000

6. REFUSE INCINERATORS

Industrialization creates enormous waste materials which must be treated so to allow minimum impact to the environment. We offer that waste disposal systems will be developed concurrent with other industries so as to lessen environmental hazards. Incinerators, properly designed and managed will be located in each county.

Jobs created: 260 Investment (USD): 9,750,000

7. WINDOW, DOOR AND SIDING PLANTS

One of the basic human needs is shelter. Therefore, in moving Liberia to an industrial nation, we will target and focus on the housing sector. The availability of locally produced windows, doors, sidings and other housing components not only lessens the costs, but also makes the products readily available.

Jobs created: 1500 Investment (USD): 15,000,000

8. BRICK AND TILE PLANTS

With the enormous deposits of clay throughout Liberia, the use of locally manufactured materials for the housing industry will be a priority. In this regard, the development of domestic brick and tile industries will provide jobs and less expensive building materials. Brick veneer wall could replace plaster walls. Clay tile roofing could replace corrugated iron sheets. Clay floor tiles could also replace terazzo floor tiles.

Jobs created: 1500 Investment (USD): 10,500,000

9. SHEET METAL

The forming and cutting of sheet metal into air conditioning ducts, corrugated iron sheets for roofing and siding, sheet metal for desks, furnaces, stoves, refrigerators, trailers, etc, is a prelude to developing the necessary skills and experience for more complex industrialization in metals. Investments in sheet metal production will make use of an ever increasing local market for these products.

Jobs created: 300 Investment (USD): 10,500,000

10. SEWING MACHINE ASSEMBLY PLANTS

One of the prides of the Liberian is to have a custom tailored suit. In every village, town or city, there are tailor shops catering to the needs of numerous customers. Sewing machines used in Liberia are imported from Europe, Asia, South America or North America at high costs. Assembly plants in Liberia would alleviate high costs and provide more jobs not only in assembling machines for domestic and export markets, but also in growing the garment and sewing industry.

Jobs created: 300 Investment (USD): 10,500,000

11. SHOES AND TEXTILE MANUFACTURING

A basic human need is clothing. Therefore, any investment in the clothing sector has consumers locally available. Liberia's fertile soil and tropical climate is conducive to the cultivation of cotton. The promotion of the leather products sector for both garment and shoe industries will provide jobs, generate revenues and products for both domestic and export markets.

Jobs created: 300 Investment (USD): 10,500,000

12. SOAP AND DETERGENTS

Oil palm grows abundantly in Liberia with or without the help of farmers. Properly cultivated oil palm provides a constant supply of oil for food consumption and also for the soap and detergent industries. With Liberia producing textile for domestic and export markets, soap and detergent production will be an associated investment.

Jobs created: 300 Investment (USD): 10,500,000

13. FURNITURE AND UPHOLSTERY

With the production of millwork, furniture production will be an associated investment. Any improvement of the housing sector coupled with the use of local materials will cut costs. Tropical woods in furniture designs will be targeted for domestic and export markets.

Jobs created: 1500 Investment (USD): 32,500,000

14. BICYCLE ASSSEMBLY PLANTS

Given the median income level of Liberians, the use of bicycles for short distance trips, is cost effective and affordable. The assembly of bicycles for domestic and export markets will generate revenue and create jobs.

Jobs created: 300 Investment (USD): 10,500,000

15. MACHINERY

Strategic domestic and export markets production of hydraulic machines, electrical measuring instruments, precision measuring instruments, air and water pressure machines, and metal working machines.

Jobs created: 300 Investment (USD): 50,000,000

16. ELECTRONICS

Domestic and export markets production to the capability of producing minicomputers. We offer targeting research and development in semi-conductor technology, electronic operation technology. We also offer development of major electronics and electrical parts industries in single crystal silicon wafers, fabricated wafers, lead frames, silicon oxide batteries, gold wire, liquid crystal, and electrical cabling.

Jobs created: 300 Investment (USD): 50,000,000

17. CEMENT PROCESSING PLANTS

For Liberia's great leap into the twentieth-first century, the development of technical infra-structure and industries requires the availability of building materials. Cement is widely used in the construction of roads and super-structures. It is feasible to import cement clinker and grind same locally rather than importing already packed cement. We offer the construction of three additional processing plants in northern and eastern Liberia to guarantee a steady supply of cement.

Jobs created: 900 Investment (USD): 22,500,000

18. HOUSING AND HOTELS

The provision of shelter is not only a basic human need, but is also paramount in the development of Liberia. We offer that slums and other forms of unhealthy living conditions will give way to holistically planned settlements. In this regard, we offer the construction of 25,000 three bedroom and two bedroom housing units, distributed nationwide. Also in order to facilitate the many liberators who are encamped, we offer the construction of 12,500 two bedroom and three bedroom housing units for military and paramilitary housing. We also offer the construction of thirteen fifty bed room hotels throughout the country to cater to the travel needs of Liberians and visitors as we move towards industrialization.

Jobs created: 26,000 Investment (USD): 982,000,000

                                              ---


 ITEM                            QTY      JOBS     UNITCOST    TOTALCOST
                                              (USD)        (USD)


 PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

 1. INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS     3      500   15,000,000         45,000,000
 2. NATIONAL AIRPORTS         13     1300    1,500,000         19,500,000
 3. FIRE/POLICE STATIONS            26      350      400,000  10,400,000
 4. POST OFFICES/BANKS       13      350      300,000           3,900,000
 5. TELEPHONE EXCHANGES      13      250      600,000          7,800,000
 6. HOSPITALS                 13     1000    3,000,000           45,000,000
    CLINICS                   26     1200      750,000           19,500,000
 7. HYDRO ELECTRIC PLANTS     3     1500   13,000,000          39,000,000
 8. UNIVERSITIES                     3     5000   50,000,000  150,000,000
    POLYTECHNICS                    13     2600   35,000,000  455,000,000
    VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS       26     2900    5,000,000  1      30,000,000
 9. INTERCITY HIGHWAYS 1,250miles  17500                     1,650,000,000
 10.INTERCITY PARKWAYS 1,250miles  17500                     1,650,000,000
 11.FISHING HARBORS          3     6000   35,000,000           105,000,000
 12.RADIO/TV STATIONS        7      105    1,500,000           10,500,000
 13.HOUSING UNITS        37,500    16000                    25,000  937,000,000


 PRIVATE SECTOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

 1. FOOD PROCESSING          13     1500           1,500,000   19,500,000
 2. SUGAR REFINING          13     4000    2,500,000   32,000,000
 3. MILLWORK/WOODWORK        13     4000           1,500,000   19,000,000
 4. PAPER MILL               3     4000    5,000,000   15,000,000
 5. PRINTING/PUBLISHING      3     1500    5,000,000   15,000,000
 6. REFUSE INCINERATORS     13      260      750,000    9,750,000
 7. WINDOW/DOOR/SIDING       13     1500           5,000,000   15,000,000
 8. BRICK/TILE PLANTS        3     1500    3,500,000   10,500,000
 9. SHEET METAL              3      300    3,500,000   10,500,000
 10.SEWING MACHINE ASSEM      3      300    3,500,000   10,500,000
 11.SHOES/TEXTILE MANUFAC     3      300    3,500,000   10,500,000
 12.SOAP/DETERGENT PLANTS     3     300    3,500,000   10,500,000
 13.FURNITURE/UPHOLSTERY     13    1500    2,500,000   32,500,000
 14.BICYCLE ASSEMBLY         3      300    3,500,000   10,500,000
 15.MACHINERY                 2      300          25,000,000   50,000,000
 16.ELECTRONICS              2      300   25,000,000   50,000,000
 17.HOTELS                  13    10000    3,500,000   45,000,000
 18.CEMENT PROCESSING         3      900    7,500,000   22,500,000
 19.INTERNAT. AIRLINES  5 aircraft   100    7,000,000   35,000,000

      GRAND TOTAL JOBS CREATED:  106,915

           INVESTMENT GRAND TOTAL  (USD)             5,701,300,000




 Prepared by:

 The Executive Committee FREE DEMOCRATIC PARTY Republic of Liberia

 P.O.Box 3040, Monrovia, Liberia W.Africa
 TEL/FAX: +231 22 32 70
 INTERNET: ijoma@infinet.com   mayatu@aol.com


 P.O.Box 5971, Somerset. New Jersey 08875 USA
 TEL: (908) 873-1713    FAX: (908) 873-5832
 INTERNET: ijoma@infinet.com   mayatu@aol.com


 Rod Nyennatee Lewis..........Chairman      mayatu@aol.com
 Fayah J. S. Gbollie..........Vice Chairman
 Ijoma Robert Flemister.......Secretary General    ijoma@infinet.com
 T. Kanboe Bestman............Deputy Secretary General
 George Kofa..................Treasurer
 W. Krejarda Lewis............Deputy Treasurer
 Faate Kiawu..................Public Affairs Coordinator
 Robert Draper................Deputy Public Affairs Coordinator
 George O. Pajibo.............Chairman, County Organizers
 Sam Jacobs...................Vice Chairman, County Organizers

--- No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission of the Free Democratic Party, Republic of Liberia!


Message-Id: <199411232235.WAA03744@orion.sas.upenn.edu>
Date: Wed, 23 Nov 1994 16:13:39 -0500
From: Faraz Fareed Rabbani 
Subject: Fwd: Industrial and Development Profile, Liberia (fwd)


Editor: Ali B. Ali-Dinar
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