President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has described as “unacceptable,” that out of 13,000 kilometers of the proposed road network in the country, only 1,600 kilometers are paved.
Delivering his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, January 27, 2025, President Boakai said that improving road connectivity is a cornerstone of the development agenda.
According to him, in the past year, his government delivered on promise to recondition and maintain major road corridors within its first 100 days, and his government has continued to maintain 783 kilometers of major roads nationwide, making key routes such as Brewerville to Bopolu, Voinjama to Foya, Foya to Mendikorma, and Zwedru to Kanweaken passable, resulting in reduced commodity prices.
President Boakai said since January 2024, the RIA Road Project has been expanded from 8 to 20 kilometers of paved roadway. He told the 55th Legislature that the Sanniquellie to Logatuo road project is now 85% complete, with 42 kilometers paved, while the Saclepea to Tappita road project has reached 50% completion.
“With financing from the World Bank’s Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP), the government has completed the biodiversity study on the Tappita to Zwedru corridor, including Toe Town to Zwedru,” Boakai said.
The president said his government has also secured finance and finalized designs for key corridors including Zwedru to John Davies Town, Putuken to Kelipo, and Barclayville to Sasstown to Klowne.
Meanwhile, Boakai disclosed that the pavement of the Medina to Robertsport road will commence in March of this year. He said to enhance safety and vibrancy in Monrovia, the government has expanded public spaces by creating alleys, clearing drainage, and installing solar street lights.
President Boakai revealed that in the first quarter of 2025, his government anticipates progress on the Tubman Boulevard overpass bridge project.
“Looking ahead, the government has planned new bridge works and civil constructions on major corridors, ensuring further connectivity and infrastructure development across Liberia,” he said.
The president said his top priority is the development of road infrastructure, essential for convenient travel, access to services and boosting commerce, adding that the poor state of roads has long contributed to rural neglect and stunted the development of the country.
