(Monrovia-Liberia): May 6, 2009--President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has concluded a two-day official visit to Sinoe County. While in Sinoe, the President dedicated a newly constructed City Hall, an official residence and a guest house in Bilibokree, Juarzon District. The three buildings were built by funding secured under the County’s Development Fund. The visit also involved the dedication of three newly constructed buildings and a visit to the Sarpo National Park.

An Executive Mansion release says the Liberian leader also participated in a three-day interactive discussion forum among residents of the county, referred to as the ‘Sinoe Dialogue.’  

Addressing residents during the interactive dialogue attended by hundreds of county residents in Bilibokree, Juarzon District, the President explained the significance of Government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, otherwise known as ‘Lift Liberia,’ and highlighted the problems associated with administering the County Development Fund. President Johnson Sirleaf, however, commended the county’s Legislative Caucus for their efforts and called on residents of the area to grow their own food.

Speaking of other development issues in the county, President Sirleaf said her Government intends to take over the Sinoe Rubber Plantation and open it up for bid by potential investors.

During a visit to the Sarpo National Park, the President called on the people to preserve the Park and protect the animals as well as halt clandestine activities, especially illegally extracting gold.

Discussions were later held with various interest groups, including the Sinoe Students Association, the Sarpo Appoleabo Women’s Group, the Sinoe University Students Association as well as the Sinoe Traditional Leadership Council.

In remarks on behalf the county’s Legislative Caucus and the people of Sinoe, Senators Mabutu Nyenpan and Joseph Nagbe expressed the county’s interest to host the July 26^th Independence Day celebrations in 2010. They also solicited support for the county’s educational sector, stressing that there is only one high school in the county. The Sinoe senators assured the President of their support for her development agenda in the National Legislature.

President Johnson Sirleaf also visited Kieh’s Town in Juahzhon District, the ancestral home of the late Madam Juah Sarwee, the President’s maternal grandmother. The Liberian leader also toured the grave site of her grandmother where she was introduced to other descendants of her ancestry.