Senator Bartekwa Seeks Explanation on Delayed Road Projects across Liberia

Monrovia, Liberia: Grand Kru County Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa has formally requested the Senate’s Plenary to summon key government ministers to explain the reason for delays in several donor-funded road projects across the country.

In his communication addressed to Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Senator Bartekwa pointed out that despite significant financial commitments from international partners, multiple road projects remain incomplete or have yet to begin.

Senator Bartekwa cited three key projects as major concerns, which include the 100 million United States dollars agreement signed in December 2018 between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Bank for Development and Investment (EBID) and the Liberian Government under the sponsorship of the Indian Government. 

The project was meant to cover 96.6 kilometers of road from Barclayville, Grand Kru County, to Klowne, Sinoe County, but the Senator contends that no work has commenced on the corridors of road since the agreement was consummated.

He also mentioned that in 2021, the African Development Bank (AfDB) pledged financial support to pave 60 kilometers of road connecting Kelipo Kanweakan in River Gee County to Putuken in Grand Gedeh County, adding that no progress has been made.

Despite initial progress on the 40-kilometer stretch of road sponsored by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the project was abandoned in 2020 with no clear explanation.

Senator Bartekwa emphasized that residents of the affected areas had high hopes following these announcements, yet their expectations have remained unmet.

He is seeking the Plenary of the Liberian Senate intervention by citing relevant government functionaries to provide clarity on whether the delays stem from the Government of Liberia or the donor countries.

To address these concerns, Senator Bartekwa has requested the Senate Plenary to invite the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Public Works, and Finance and Development Planning to explain the reasons behind the project delays.

The Senator stressed the urgency of addressing these issues, citing the importance of infrastructure development in improving the country’s economic growth and connectivity.

Edited: E. Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.