Chinese company praised for social responsibility toward Togo youth

LOME - Togolese ministers Friday commended China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC)'s social responsibility for its contribution to the country's infrastructure construction and youth sports.

The Chinese company has constructed facilities such as handball, basketball and volleyball grounds in the Youth Center of Amadanhome neighborhood in the capital Lome and donated sports equipment.

"It is a milestone example for other companies that execute infrastructure projects in the country," Victoire Tomegah Dogbe, cabinet director of the Togolese Presidency and minister of Grassroots Development, Crafts, Youth and Youth Employment, said.

"We appreciate such a donation and expect this partnership will continue with other operators in playgrounds and leisure spaces construction, in line with the vision of our head of state," she said.

At the inauguration ceremony, a Chinese basketball team from Chinese companies operating in Togo and a Togolese youth team played a friendly match.

Guy Lorenzo, minister of Communication, Culture and Sports, said the donated sports facilities will enable the youth of Amadanhome neighborhood to engage in sports more frequently and cultivate talent.

Chinese company CRBC has been active in infrastructure construction in Togo since 2008 with a long road and bridge projects executed in the country.

"The construction of these facilities is part of our social responsibility. Especially, we are building a portion of the important Lome highway by-pass road that goes through this neighborhood," Tao Huace, general director of CRBC in Togo, said.

"We think it is important to give a chance to youths to develop their talents as they are key actors of the future of a country," he added.