Ebola fails to dent Monrovia trade

“The country is very reliant on the port as the only real artery for trade – especially imports – and we have taken due precautions to enable us to continue operations.” All people entering the port area are screened at least twice, with temperature taken and an obligatory disinfection of hands.

The concessionaire has also offered to reduce the price for handling of rice imports in the port, since rice is the main staple for the population of Liberia, but its price has crept upwards due to increased logistics costs related to Ebola.

“We have therefore decided to help where we can for a temporary period of time,” says Mr Sondergaard, adding that the company has also recently handed over to the government a medical camp that it had put together as part of its CSR contribution.

Nevertheless, the virus has prevented work on an additional $34m in upgrades from going ahead.

“The contract was signed earlier this year, but the actual execution has been temporised due to the Ebola outbreak, but will be restarted as soon as possible,” he said.