President George Mannah Weah has said that the construction of an ultramodern four-lane road from the Roberts International Airport (RIA) to Monrovia will present first-hand impression to travelers coming to Liberia.
“For the very first time since our founding more than 170 years ago, we are here to break ground for the first modern four-lane highway in Liberia,” President Weah said.
“Firstly, you will agree with me that this road corridor, together with the new terminal at the airport, present the first impressions of our country to those traveling to Liberia through the airport.
“It is the most convenient route for the movement of people, goods, and services to and from six of our 15 counties — Margibi, Grand Bassa, Rivercess, Sinoe, Grand Kru and Maryland. Additionally, some of these counties are hosts to several multinational corporations such as Firestone and Golden Veroleoum,” the President stated.
According to the President, the project is long overdue because of the safety hazards presented by its narrowness and darkness. Pres. Weah described the present RIA highway as a ‘death-trap’ since it was built in the 1940’s, during World War II.
In the 70 years of its existence, it has claimed the lives of thousands of unfortunate passengers, both Liberians and foreigners alike.
At the groundbreaking ceremony of the 45-km four-lane road, estimated at US$94.5 million, Thursday, February 20, President Weah named the construction as a commitment of his government’s dedication to road connectivity in Liberia.
“Yes, it is true that since we came to office, we have broken grounds, paved, and completed many kilometers of new roads within various communities that have suffered from the terrible conditions of living with unpaved roads…such as dust in the dry season and mud in the rainy season,” President Weah noted.
“Besides, these modest efforts,” according to him, “have brought about a massive improvements in the quality of life in these communities, and we will continue with this program until all major community roads are paved.”
The road for which the President broke grounds, runs from the RIA in Margibi County to the ELWA Junction in Paynesville, Monrovia. He further that the RIA Expansion is in fulfillment with promises made to Liberians during his inauguration as President of Liberia.
With improved road connectivity, President Weah believes, Liberians and vehicles will be able to commute freely and that marketers will be able to bring their commodities to the market easily.
While these road works are still in swing, Weah encouraged citizens to join the process of maintaining all roads in the country.
The President because he remains focused on his road network priorities through his first term of leadership, people have coined a new name for him: “Bad road Medicine”.
“During the election, I was called Country Giant, for my support towards women empowerment, I am called Feminist-in-Chief, now, there is a new name they can now call me, ‘Bad Road Medicine’. I wish to sign the call to action for the construction of a four-lane from RIA to ELWA,” President Weah asserted.
The new RIA road will be constructed by East International Group and the construction works are expected to take two years.
President Weah in the meantime reminded the public that road connectivity remains a core pillar of his administration and is the fulcrum of the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development.
He indicated that a review of his administrative records shows clearly that wherever there is a ground breaking ceremony for any project, that project is either completed or is ongoing according to its schedule in which the RIA will be no exception.
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