The President of Liberia inaugurates the Gbaranga-Salaya road and launches new infrastructure projects.
Ahmed Salem
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., President of the State of Liberia, inaugurated the completed 81-kilometer Gbaranga-Salaya road and formally laid the foundation stone for the paving of the 50-kilometer Salaya-Kunya road and the 6-kilometer Zorzor-Yala road, marking another significant milestone in the implementation of the second pillar of the Government’s Agenda for Comprehensive Development (ARREST), which prioritizes modern infrastructure, expanding access to basic public services, creating jobs, and inclusive economic growth.
President Bokai described the projects, supported by the Arab Coordination Group, including the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the OPEC Fund for International Development, and the Saudi Fund for Development, as catalysts for national transformation.
Road projects enhance regional connectivity
He stressed that Liberia’s continued investments in roads “build more than just roads” by creating opportunities, connecting communities, and improving the lives of Liberian citizens.
The road projects are expected to enhance regional connectivity, facilitate trade, improve access to education, health care and other basic services, and stimulate economic activity in Lofa County and surrounding areas.
The Government of Liberia has secured US$73.8 million in funding from the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to finance the development of a 56-kilometer road corridor, which includes the 50-kilometer Salaya-Kunya road and the 6-kilometer Zorzor-Yala road.
Inauguration of the Ghbaranga-Salaya road
During the inauguration ceremony for the completed Gbaranga-Salaya road and the signing of financing agreements for the Salaya-Kunya and Zorzor-Yala road projects, President Boakai stated that these achievements reflect “a genuine partnership, mutual trust, and shared commitment to development” at a pivotal moment in Liberia’s journey toward national renewal and transformation.
During the ceremony, the government also signed a financing agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development to pave the remaining 64-kilometer section of the Konya-Fuengama road.
The government also announced approval of US$190 million in funding from the Saudi Fund for Development for the Butota-Gbarnga-Zorzor power transmission line and substation project, which will connect four substations and provide electricity to approximately 380,000 households in the Bong and Lofa counties.
The combined investments in road and energy infrastructure are expected to enhance connectivity throughout Lofa County, improve access to neighboring Guinea, significantly expand electricity coverage, support industrial development, and improve the quality of life for thousands of residents in central and northern Liberia.
Construction work on the newly approved road corridors is expected to begin during the upcoming dry season.
These projects are also expected to provide hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, and to boost agriculture, trade, investment and regional commerce.
President Boakai stressed that these roads are not only intended to connect communities, but also to deepen regional integration and improve the living standards of Liberians.
President Boakai said: “These roads build more than just roads; they provide opportunities for farmers, traders, students, businesses, and families. These roads will connect communities, expand economic opportunities, promote regional integration, and improve the quality of life of our people.”.
The President commended the Arab Coordination Group and its financing institutions, including the Arab Bank for Economic Development (BADEA), the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, and the Saudi Fund for Development, for their steadfast partnership and confidence in Liberia.
He noted that their support goes beyond infrastructure funding to include promoting long-term development in Liberia.
He said: “This partnership is not limited to building roads, but extends to building strong relationships based on trust, common goal and unified vision for the development of Liberia.”.
He called on Liberians to safeguard the gains of national development and support the government's efforts to build a more cohesive and prosperous country.
The President concluded his remarks by saying, “We are laying the foundations for a more cohesive, prosperous, and inclusive Liberia.”.
