Liberia: Gov’t Begins Fixing Major Roads in Lofa
Ongoing work between Kolahun & Karbolahun town
Road rehabilitation has commenced in Lofa County as part of a nationwide effort to improve road accessibility year-round throughout the country. The initial phase of the project focuses on the Voinjama to Mendikorma highway, a key route connecting Liberia to Guinea and Sierra Leone.
The local construction company, SSF, is responsible for implementing the road works, which include repairing damaged areas and constructing drainage systems along the road. Residents of Lofa County have expressed relief and happiness at the start of the road rehabilitation, citing the challenges they faced over the past few years due to poor road conditions.
“We are happy to once more see machines on our road; this will help us travel with ease and avoid passing through Sierra Leone, which is much more expensive than coming straight,” some citizens said. The citizens underscored the significant impact the road initiative will have on their daily lives and economic activities in the county.
The citizens anticipate easier travel and reduced expenses associated with alternative routes. The road project is expected to have a significant positive impact on daily life and economic activities in the county.
SSF’s Resident Engineer, William T. Fagans, has outlined plans to complete critical repairs on the Voinjama to Mendikorma road segment within three months.
The initiative aligns with President Joseph Nuyam Boakai’s commitment to improving national road infrastructure within the first 100 days of his administration.
In his campaign message to the nation, the then Standard Bearer of the ruling Unity Party, Boakai, promised to keep major highways pliable in the first 100 days of his administration. “In the first 100 days of my administration, no vehicle will get stuck in the mud on major highways in Liberia”, Boakai said in his campaign message.
Upon completion of the immediate repairs, the engineering team will undertake a comprehensive rehabilitation effort spanning over a year, Fagans said. This improved road network is projected to reduce travel time significantly, leading to lower transportation costs and enhanced delivery of goods and services, thereby benefiting the commercial and agricultural sectors of Mendikorma, Foya, Kolahun, and Voinjama in Lofa County.
The rehabilitation of this vital road connection signifies a positive step towards enhancing connectivity, driving economic growth, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents of Lower Lofa County.
With convenient access to this road link, traveling time in vehicles is expected to reduce from 2 hours to 45 minutes to Kolahun, and 1 hour to Foya, depending on the types of vehicles and the skill of the drivers. With a reduction in traveling time, the cost of transportation fares is also expected to drop.
When the cost of transportation drops, delivery of goods and services will increase, improving the livelihood of the people. Mendikorma, Foya, Kolahun, and Voinjama are major commercial and agriculture belts in Lofa County.
The rehabilitation of this important road link signifies a promising step towards enhancing connectivity, fostering economic growth, and improving the overall quality of life for the citizens of Lower Lofa County.