By: Matthew H. Turry
MONROVIA – The Ministry of Public Works over the weekend ended a 5 day certification training in Certified Global Project and Contract Management program for 25 participants drawn from five institutions including the Ministry of Public Works, the Association of Liberian Construction Contractors, Engineering Society of Liberia, Society of Women Engineers of Liberia as well as the Liberia Institute of Architects in the Conference Room at the Ministry where also the Acting and Minister Ruth Coker-Collins was awarded with an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering at the closing program by Global University of Science and Technology.
According to our reporter who covered the closing program, the training was facilitated by a visiting international project management specialist from the Global Quality Council, Dr. Mohamed Gamal Kafaly from Egypt and the successful participants were awarded with international certificates in Certified Global Project Management by the Global Quality Council (GQCO) and the Green Economy Council. Out of the 27 who initially registered for the program, only 20 were successful in the examination, 4 did not make the cut and 3 persons did not sit the test.
Speaking at the occasion Acting Minister Collins lauded the leadership of Global Quality Council and Green Economy Council for the training and challenged the beneficiaries of the program to make maximum use of the knowledge acquired from the program and emphasized the overarching need for capacity building for public service practitioners aimed at enhancing efficiency.
According to Madam Collins the knowledge will have an immense impact on the country. “When Projects and Contracts are properly managed, we will obtain value for money most especially in the Country of ours where budgetary space is limited and our needs for infrastructure development is unlimited,” she noted.
She said her overall vision as minister will be to sustainable roads and infrastructure and will meet the current needs and not at the expense of the generation to come. The Public Minister added that to achieve and make the vision possible, the test for capacity building cannot be overlooked and witnessing certification of engineers and other actors in the Project and Contract Management is in fulfillment of the vision and drawing of a new day in the era of the ministry of public works.
“I am hoping that all of the trainees will utilize the knowledge acquired to enhance the skills and level of professionalism when discharging their duties and responsibilities in them respective area of works,” she asserted.
The facilitator, Dr. Kafafy had earlier appreciated the participants for their cooperation during the training session from inception to the end, adding, “even though several passed and few did not pass, but I am happy for their full participation”.
The Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Public Works and Rural Development, Edwin Marvin Snowe of Bomi County, promised the committee’s fullest support towards capacity building and the implementation of flagship road projects across the country.
“During the confirmation hearing, you assured us that when confirmed, you will endeavor to enhance training of your people and other sectors and today is a clear manifestation of that commitment,” he noted.
The Bomi County Senator assured the Works Minister that she was cleared by the entire Committee on Public Works in the Senate and once the report gets on the floor she will be confirmed.
Meanwhile, at the end of the program, Madam Collins was awarded with an honorary Doctor of Science Degree in Engineering from the Global University of Science and Technology for her dedicated and invaluable contributions to the infrastructural sector in Liberia and outside of the country.
Presenting the Degree to the Acting Minister Ruth Coker-Collins, the President of the Global University of Science and Technology, World Green Economy Council (WGEC), Global Quality Council (GQC), and the Trainer of the program Prof. Dr. Mohamed G. Kafafy said the Public Works Minister designate is hard working and she deserved to be awarded, adding that she is energetic and active in her work and that the institution has been following her work.
The elated Acting Minister extended thanks and appreciation to GUST for the honor done to her and saw it as a testimony of what she has been doing over time.
“This day is a great day not because I have been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science in Civil Engineering Degree, and to brag about adding title of doctor to my name but because my little work of infrastructure development to my country has been recognized,” she explained.
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