MONROVIA, Jan. 25 (LINA) – President George Weah has reaffirmed that his administration will focus on infrastructural development throughout the country.
« Let me reaffirm that road connectivity continues to be my flagship program, which is intended to serve as a major catalyst for national development. It is important that all of the fifteen (15) counties in Liberia should be interconnected by modern roads, » Pres. Weah said.
Delivering his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday at the grounds of the Capitol Building, President Weah said: « The construction of approximately500 kilometers of paved primary roads, as well as maintenance of approximately 4,000 kilometers of urban and secondary roads are considerable progress that have been made. »
He noted that in spite of the negative impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, 66 kilometers of primary roads have been completed and construction is ongoing on an additional 365 kilometers.
The Liberian leader disclosed that construction works are ongoing on the following roads; 67 km road from Ganta to Yekepa; 47 km road from Sanniquelle-Logatuo; the Bong and Lofa corridor, 80 km from Gbarnga to Salayea while in the South-Eastern corridor there is 80 km from Karloken to Fish Town, adding that funding has been received and preparatory work is ongoing on the 45km highway from the Roberts International Airport to ELWA Junction.
He also cited the 6km road from ELWA to Coca-Cola Factory, while a contract has been awarded for a 39 km road from Ganta to Saclepea in Nimba County.
According to him, complete studies with committed funds are now available for another 131km of roads, and procurement processes are ongoing for 50km road from Barclayville to Sasstown, which is part of the coastal highway project, noting that ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved an initial US$50 million for this project.
He indicated that financing arrangements have also been concluded for the construction of a 20 km road from Fish Town to Kaylipo, and a 61km road from Saclepea to Tappita, noting that the World Bank has earmarked 55 Million US dollars for the pavement of the Tappita-Zwedru highway.
« In spite of financial constraints, Government has been determined to focus attention on various community development schemes that would enhance the living standards of our people, » Pres. Weah narrated.
At the same time, he said that “looking ahead in this coming year and beyond, the focus of my Government has always been my people and how I can improve their lives and this can be achieved by moving closer to the communities and working with them directly to empower them economically, to provide basic social services, and improve their lives in all aspects.”
Pres. Weah stated that his Government will continue reforms and push to achieve developmental growth and grow jobs across key sectors of the economy, adding that although the state of the economy is challenging but the fundamental remains sound and strong.
