Chinese Government provides RMB 42.2 million grant for Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) Expansion and Refurbishment Project in 2021

Project narrative

In June 2021, the Chinese Government and the Government of Liberia signed an implementation agreement for the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) Expansion and Refurbishment Project. The monetary value of the grant that China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) issued for this project is approximately RMB 42,283,300. The project involves the construction of a new broadcasting building and building a new broadcasting production system of LBS in Monrovia, the provision of an outdoor broadcasting vehicle and a set of satellite transmission system, and the maintenance and upgrading the transmitter house, antenna feeder, and the iron tower in Monrovia. Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly enhance the capacity, efficiency and influence of LBS. Beijing University of Civil Engineering & Architecture (BUCEA) is responsible for the design of the project and BUCEA Jingjing Dafang Engineering Construction Supervision Co., Ltd is responsible for the implementation of the project. MOFCOM awarded a project implementation contract to BUCEA Jingjing Dafang Engineering Construction Supervision Co., Ltd in October 2020. Then, June 2021, a Chinese technical team visited Liberia and conducted technical inspection, engineering survey, and other preparatory activities. Then, on May 6, 2022, an official inauguration ceremony took place for the refurbishment of an LBS television studio, Metro FM 89.9 radio studio, and the 99.9FM radio studio. On April 10, 2024, the Chinese Ambassador and representatives from the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) signed a supplementary implementation agreement for the LBS Refurbishment and Expansion Project. According to the Ambassador, the original agreement was signed in 2021. Although the supplementary agreement has not been published, available media coverage reiterate contents which are consistent with those of the original 2021 agreement. A groundbreaking ceremony for the project was held on August 16, 2024.