Monrovia, Liberia – February 21, 2025 – The National Road Fund (NRF) of Liberia yesterday hosted a high-level meeting with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Public Investment Management Assessment (PIMA) and Climate PIMA team at its office. The discussion centered on key road sector investment strategies, data-driven road budget planning, and the integration of climate resilience designs into infrastructure development, insuring road assets, as well as the operations of the NRF. The IMF delegation was led by Ms. Michelle Stone, Deputy Division Chief of Public Financial Management I, Fiscal Affairs Division (FAD). She was joined by Deputy Lead, Mr. Graham Prentice, Technical Assistance Officer, Public Financial Management I, FAD; Mr. Jocelyn Koussere, Economist, African Department; Ms. Stephanie Allan, FAD Short-Term Expert; Ms. June Nyakahuma, FAD Short-Term Expert; and Mr. Graham Smith, FAD Short-Term Expert. Representing the NRF was its manager, Mrs. Joseta Neufville Wento, and Mr. Albert K. Samukai, Chief Program Officer.
During the meeting, Madam Wento talked about the efforts to enhance transparency and accountability, from contract award to contractor performance, and the steps that the road fund, with oversight from the board, has taken to ensure compliance. The NRF financing of road and brigade maintenance is exploring foreign direct investment into the sector. Madam Wento emphasized that the fund, when well structured, will attract foreign direct investments, which will directly ensure that critical infrastructural needs are met to stimulate economic activities. Madam Wento told the gathering on the audits the NRF carried out to ensure proper management and accountability of the funds. This led to the support of partners such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), who hired legal counsel to review the NRF Act amendments and reinstatement to align with international best practices. Additionally, the World Bank provided support to strengthen the reporting system. In her closing remarks, Madam Wento highlighted the need to increase the capacity of the staff of the fund to create an environment for innovation in the sector. Madame Stone and her team expressed their gratitude for the level of work done and the display of evidence-based activities. This, she says, puts everything into perspective