In the wake of a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of two overpass bridges in Congo Town outside Monrovia by President Joseph Boakai, the political leader of the Liberia National Union (LINU), Clarence K. Moniba, is pondering why Liberians celebrate a groundbreaking for old projects. The Liberian government and the People’s Republic of China broke ground for a US$36.6 million project for two overpass bridges. The two bridges are projects of the Government of China.
The US$36.6 million project includes roadbed engineering, pavement engineering, bridge and culvert engineering, drainage engineering, and safety facility engineering, among others. With the scope of the route, the actual length of the route is 2.107 kilometers, divided into two parts, East Interchange and West Interchange, with the main corridor reconstruction at 967 meters, a new auxiliary road at 1,134 meters and an overpass length estimated at 183 meters. The project is expected to take twenty-four months.
In a post on his official Facebook Page on Tuesday, September 2, Dr. Clarence K. Moniba disclosed that the overhead bridge was first committed to in 2015/2016 alongside the Ministerial Complex. “I know, because I was in the room helping to plan and negotiate it with then Minister of Public Works, Gyude Moore, and then Deputy Minister Giddings. Yet from 2017 to 2024, nothing tangible was done! Now, nearly 10 years later, we celebrate a groundbreaking for the very same bridge that should have been completed long ago,” Moniba frowns.
According to him, “This is not progress; it is delay; it is mediocrity, and it is a painful reminder of how slowly we are moving while other countries that were once behind us are racing forward.” Speaking on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the groundbreaking ceremony, President Boakai explained that the bridges are practical solutions to reduce road safety issues and economic losses.
The Liberian leader emphasized the power of road infrastructure in shortening distances, lowering costs and enhancing economic growth. He believes that the construction of the overpass bridges will also reduce travel time during peak hours and improve traffic regulation.
The Liberian leader urged contractors to uphold high standards of quality, safety and local participation. President Boakai mentioned the temporary inconveniences that will be caused by the construction and asked for the public’s patience and cooperation. For his part, Public Works Minister Roland L. Giddings, who was Deputy Minister when planning and negotiation for the overpass bridges began, expressed gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for financing the project.
Minister Giddings disclosed that the groundbreaking ceremony is framed as a continuation of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s vision and the Ministry of Public Works’ effort to address traffic congestion and improve mobility. But Moniba wants Liberians to raise standards and should not continue to applaud promises and groundbreakings while decades pass without delivery.
“Real development comes from holding our leaders accountable and demanding results, not slogans, not endless ceremonies, but completed projects that improve lives. Liberia deserves better. Our people deserve better. And together, we must insist on better,” Moniba stressed.
In response to Dr. Moniba’s post, Information Minister, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah asked in these words: “Why not celebrate when others failed to do it in 10 years as u said? Maybe u should share reasons why it was not built Dr.” On the Lofa road project, Minister Piah said Boakai was not President in 2020/2021 and now that he is President, he is committed to doing it; “But I guess, u will again frown on the people celebrating when it’s done. Let’s Think, Love & Build Liberia Comrade Doc.”
