By Myean D. Torgbean
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Saturday officially broke ground for the construction of a 255-kilometer Western Corridor road network valued at US$363.9 million, describing it as a major step toward improving infrastructure, creating jobs, and boosting regional trade.
The project, which spans Montserrado, Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, and Lofa Counties, is expected to be completed within five years under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with Pavifort Al Associates Inc., headed by Chief Executive Officer Alimou Sanu Barrie.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held in Bo Waterside, President Boakai called the project a defining milestone in Liberia’s development agenda.
“This is about dignity and opportunity for our people,” the President said. “It will reduce travel time, lower transportation costs, and connect communities that have long been cut off from essential services and markets.”
He added that the road network will be built to international standards, with strong emphasis on durability, climate resilience, and long-term maintenance.
The Western Corridor project includes several major road segments, including the St. Paul Bridge to Klay dual carriageway, the Klay to Bo Waterside highway, the Klay to Tubmanburg road, the Madina to Robertsport link, and the Voinjama–Mendikorma corridor, which is expected to enhance both domestic and cross-border trade.
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio also attended the ceremony, where he praised the initiative as a significant step toward regional integration and cooperation.
“This corridor represents the future of West Africa,” President Bio said. “It will connect nations, facilitate trade, and strengthen the bonds between our people.”
He described the project as a reflection of growing peace and partnership within the Mano River Union.
Providing technical details, Deputy Minister for Public Works Prince D. Tambah Sr. explained that the design will include a mix of four-lane highways and two-lane carriageways, depending on terrain and traffic flow.
He noted that parts of the road will be constructed to expressway standards, improving connectivity between Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence emphasized the Legislature’s oversight role, stating that provisions were included in the agreement to benefit schools, community organizations, and road improvements in affected counties.
She acknowledged public concerns but expressed cautious optimism about the project’s implementation.
“The Senate trusts that the contractor will deliver, but we remain committed to strong oversight to ensure accountability and timely completion,” she said.
House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon also reaffirmed legislative support while warning that lawmakers would closely monitor progress at every stage.
“We will not be passive observers,” Speaker Koon said. “We will ensure accountability and protect the interests of the Liberian people.”
CEO Alimou Sanu Barrie assured that Pavifort Al Associates Inc. has both the technical expertise and financial capacity to complete the project, pledging to deliver a durable road network that meets international standards.
According to officials, the Western Corridor project is expected to generate more than 1,000 jobs during construction, stimulate local economies, and strengthen Liberia’s position as a key trade route within the Mano River Union and the wider West African region.
Authorities further note that the initiative represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in recent years, aimed at addressing Liberia’s long-standing road deficit, where only a small portion of the national network is currently paved.
