Liberia: Liberia, Japan Sign US$287K Agreement to Expand Japan-Freeway Corridor

The Liberian government and its Japanese counterpart have signed a US$287K (43M Japanese Yen) grant agreement aimed at extending the Japan Freeway—the vital road corridor between the Freeport of Monrovia and the Gabriel Tucker Bridge.

The grant was signed on Tuesday, March 5th, during a signing ceremony that coincided with an exchange of notes between the two countries.

At the event, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow-Nyanti highlighted Japan's enduring commitment to Liberia as a testament to genuine diplomacy.

She commended the strong bilateral ties between Liberia and Japan, highlighting their significant impact on infrastructure development. 

"You have been and will continue to be here, and we expect you to stay. Today's signing is just a demonstration of that, and we look forward to deepening the relationship," she explained.

In her address, Minister Nyanti emphasized that Japan's sustained dedication to Liberia transcends mere superficial engagements, embodying decades of mutual respect and cooperation. 

She expressed gratitude for Japan's invaluable contributions to Liberia's human capital development and infrastructure, underscoring their pivotal role in advancing the country's socioeconomic landscape.

"Your investment in human capital development and today's signing ceremony for infrastructure developments demonstrate your holistic interest in Liberia. We can guarantee that this relationship will continue to strengthen and deepen," said Minister Nyanti.

Highlighting President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's strategic priorities encompassing Agriculture, Road infrastructure, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism (ARREST), Minister Nyanti emphasized the significance of infrastructure development in realizing these objectives. 

"If we do not have access to different parts of the country, we cannot claim that we are developed," she said. "Therefore, your commitment and investment in infrastructure, ensuring access not only for traders but for all Liberians to education and healthcare, is a meaningful contribution to changing the trajectory of this country towards achieving the SDGs."

She stressed the importance of access to different parts of the country for Liberia's development, asserting that Japan's commitment and investment in infrastructure are crucial for ensuring access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all Liberians.

In his remarks, Mochizuki Hisanobu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Liberia, reaffirmed Japan's understanding of the project's importance to Liberia, assuring that the Japanese parliament is diligently progressing to finalize necessary procedures. 

He highlighted Japan's commitment to supporting Africa's infrastructure development, emphasizing the bilateral cooperation's focus on enhancing Liberia's infrastructure.

Ambassador Hisanobu also recognized the dedication of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in facilitating Japan's support for Liberia's infrastructure development. 

He expressed confidence in Liberia's leadership and cooperation in effectively coordinating stakeholders for the successful implementation of the project.

In a special remark, Ms. Momoko Suzuki, JICA Country Representative to Liberia, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, outlined the project's scope, emphasizing its significance for Liberia's logistics and connectivity. 

She urged timely execution of project commitments outlined in the Grant Agreement for successful implementation.

According to her, the project covers rehabilitation of 1.9 km section from the west end of the Japan Freeway to the north intersection of Gabriel Tucker Bridge. 

This section, she said, is crucial for logistics in Liberia because it connects the downtown and the Freeport. 

“Now that the project moves to the phase of the detailed design, I would like to request the Liberian colleagues involved in this project to ensure the timely execution of the project’s major undertakings or commitment, which are stipulated in the Grant Agreement, for the successful implementation of the project,” she said.

Suzuki added that at the Freeport junction, the road also links up with Japan Freeway which leads to the suburbs of Monrovia and the eastern part of Liberia.

The signing ceremony was attended by Roland Layfette Giddings, Minister of Public Works, and Sylvester Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs as well as other government officials.