Former Minister of Public Works, Hon. Ruth Coker-Collins, has raised a significant national concern over the ongoing Infrastructure Conference organized by the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Public Works, citing her exclusion from the important policy gathering.
In an open letter addressed to current Public Works Minister, Hon. Roland L. Giddings, the former minister stressed that infrastructure development is a continuous national process that must rise above political transitions and partisan considerations. She emphasized that such conferences should prioritize collective expertise, institutional memory, and professional experience to ensure sustainable national development.
Hon. Coker-Collins, a career engineer and immediate past minister, noted that conferences of this nature are crucial platforms for knowledge-sharing, reflection on past lessons, and fostering collaboration among current and former leaders within the infrastructure sector. According to her, the absence of former ministers and senior professionals weakens continuity and deprives the sector of valuable insights gained from previous administrations.
She clarified that her concern was not raised in a spirit of criticism, but rather out of a deep sense of national responsibility and commitment to Liberia’s long-term development goals. The former minister underscored that inclusive participation strengthens policy discourse and reinforces the idea that nation-building is a shared duty.
Reaffirming her dedication to Liberia, Hon. Coker-Collins expressed her readiness to contribute her experience and expertise in any capacity that would advance the country’s infrastructure agenda. She further expressed hope that future national infrastructure engagements would be more inclusive and professionally broad-based, for the ultimate benefit of the nation.
The open letter has since sparked conversations among policy observers and professionals, highlighting the importance of inclusiveness, continuity, and respect for institutional knowledge in Liberia’s development planning processes.
