THE AFRICAN Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) beginning today will convene its 22nd General Assembly in Monrovia, we extend a warm welcome to all delegates. We wish you successful deliberations and fruitful discussions as you gather to share knowledge, expertise, and experiences in road infrastructure development. As everyone has acknowledged, this gathering presents a unique opportunity for Liberia to showcase its potential and challenges to peers, partners, and donors, and we are confident that it will yield positive outcomes for our country.
THE GATHERING MUST impress upon both national and international partners one fact that cannot be ignored: the harsh reality that Liberia’s road network is critically challenged. For far too long, our citizens have suffered the consequences of poor road conditions, which have cut off most parts of the country from Monrovia, particularly during the rainy season. This has had devastating effects on our economy, healthcare, and overall quality of life. Sick people are unable to get to hospitals in time, farmers are unable to get their produce to market, and service providers are hamstrung. The prices of essential goods remain consistently high, and the road situation facing Liberia is a national crisis that transcends partisan lines.
IT IS THEREFORE imperative that we approach this challenge with a sense of urgency and collective responsibility as road funds CEOs gather in Monrovia. Thus, we urge the National Road Fund (NRF) of Liberia to take crucial steps by ensuring that Liberian professionals, experts, and technicians from all political backgrounds are part of this conference. When it comes to roads in this country, every professional matter. Every idea matter. We must work together to develop solutions that will have a lasting impact on our road infrastructure and, by extension, our economy and people’s lives.
MEANWHILE, AS WE look to the future, it is heartening to see institutions like the National Road Fund (NRF) taking proactive steps to nurture the next generation of Liberian innovators and leaders. The NRF’s STEAM mentorship program is a novel initiative that bridges the gap between the first generation of Liberian leaders and the second generation of innovators and change-makers. By investing in the next generation, we can ensure continuity and progress, drive innovation and growth, and promote inclusivity and diversity.
THE SUCCESS OF the STEAM program is evident in the 98 percent enrollment rate of its participants in private and public institutions, and the impressive performance of its alumni. This program is a beacon of hope for Liberia’s future, and we commend the NRF for its innovative approach to capacity building and mentorship.
AS WE MOVE FORWARD, it is essential that we continue to support initiatives like the NRF’s STEAM program. By fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking, we can equip young Liberian engineers with the ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions. This is particularly crucial in the road sector, where challenges have been deeply intractable over the years.
WE URGE THE government to embrace and support the NRF’s STEAM mentorship program, recognizing its potential to drive national development and progress. With nearly 90 percent of Liberia lacking a conductive road network, the need for innovative solutions and skilled professionals has never been more pressing.
AS WE WELCOME the ARMFA delegates to Liberia, we urge them to join us in finding solutions to our road challenges. We must ensure that this conference is not just a talking shop but a catalyst for meaningful action. We need concrete outcomes that will show impact in the near future. The people of Liberia are counting on us, and we must deliver.
LET US WORK together to build a better Liberia, where our roads are a source of pride, not a hindrance to progress. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that this conference will have on our nation’s development, and we wish all participants a successful and enriching experience in Monrovia.