By George C. Flomo
MONROVIA – Liberia’s Minister of Public Works, Roland Layette Giddings, has provided a comprehensive update on the government’s ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, emphasizing significant road expansion across the country while warning citizens against illegal construction on public rights-of-way.
Speaking Thursday at the regular press briefing of the Ministry of Information, Minister Giddings said the government remains committed to improving road connectivity as a key driver of national development.
He noted that under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, infrastructure, particularly roads and energy, continues to be a top priority.
According to the Minister, the government has already paved over 120 kilometers of roads nationwide, with projections indicating that the figure could triple within the next year due to ongoing interventions.
He highlighted that road development is central to unlocking economic growth, describing roads as “the fulcrum of development” that connects trade, agriculture, and social services.
Minister Giddings disclosed that several major road projects are currently underway, including the near completion of the Gbarnga-to-Salayea corridor and ongoing pavement works along the southeastern corridor.
The Public Works Minister further revealed that by the next dry season, multiple contractors are expected to simultaneously work on key segments between Tapeta and Fishtown, eventually enabling motorists to travel on paved roads from central Liberia to Maryland County by 2029.
He also emphasized the government’s focus on improving accessibility to southeastern Liberia, noting that past conditions made travel to the region extremely difficult, especially during the rainy season.
“Today, we have restored a level of accessibility across the country, and we are determined to sustain and improve it,” he said.
In Monrovia and its environs, the Minister outlined several ongoing rehabilitation and pavement projects aimed at easing congestion and improving mobility within the capital.
These include road works in New Georgia, Chicken Soup Factory Community, and several other densely populated areas. He added that drainage cleaning exercises will soon intensify as part of preparations for the rainy season.
Additionally, the Minister highlighted the government’s adoption of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements to accelerate infrastructure development. One such project involves the construction of over 280 kilometers of roads, including corridors from the Freeport of Monrovia to Duala and beyond, with groundbreaking expected in the coming weeks.
On regional connectivity, Minister Giddings disclosed plans for a major bridge linking Liberia to Côte d’Ivoire, which is expected to boost trade and reduce travel time between the two countries. He noted that once completed, the project will enhance the economic viability of the Port of Harper and strengthen cross-border commerce.
Meanwhile, the Minister issued a stern warning to citizens constructing buildings in alleys and on designated road corridors, stressing that such structures will be demolished regardless of ownership status. He maintained that the government will strictly enforce regulations to ensure proper urban planning and accessibility.
The Public Works Minister also clarified that the Kialondo building located at the 5:40 junction is a private structure and is situated at a safe distance from the main road; therefore, it does not require demolition.
The minister’s statement comes amid ongoing concerns over the removal of structures encroaching on public pathways, as authorities continue efforts to enforce regulations on unauthorized construction.
“We will not allow people to build in alleys or on rights-of-way. Whether you are rich or poor, if your structure is illegally placed, it will be removed,” he warned, adding that there will be no exceptions.
Minister Giddings also announced the establishment of road maintenance units across all 15 counties under a decentralization initiative aimed at maintaining feeder roads and improving access to rural communities. The initiative will be supported by heavy equipment to be deployed nationwide.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustained investment in infrastructure, urging citizens to cooperate with ongoing development efforts for the overall growth of the country.