Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has called on the Ministry of Public Works to accelerate construction on the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Road. Speaking on the condition of the highway, Madam Sirleaf emphasized that the RIA Road creates the first impression for international visitors arriving in the country and must project a positive image. She noted that improving road infrastructure is vital not only for public convenience but also for national pride and economic growth.
Madam Sirleaf made the remarks on Tuesday during ELBC’s Changing Minds, Changing Attitudes program, where she appeared alongside former Information Minister Lawrence Bropleh. She further urged the Ministry of Public Works to ensure the timely completion of the project in line with the government’s development agenda.
The Roberts International Airport (RIA) road project in Liberia, a major rehabilitation and expansion into a four-lane highway (approx. 45km), began active construction around 2021. After delays and a subsequent audit following financial irregularities, the project is resuming, with completion now targeted for 2027.
The project transforms the main highway from Monrovia to the RIA airport into a dual carriageway (four lanes). Initial works and pavement started in 2021, with significant paving starting around the ELWA Junction in 2023.
East International is the primary contractor. The cost, initially estimated was lower, thus was later adjusted with concerns of cost escalations reaching around a million dollars. Following an audit of past financial dealings by the General Auditing Commission (GAC), the new government has announced the resumption of construction. The project involves key phases, including the construction of the Junk River Bridge and upgrading the existing road infrastructure.
