The House of Representatives has referred concerns over extensive cracking on the newly laid binder course of the ELWA Junction-to-Roberts International Airport (RIA) road project to its Committee on Public Works and Concessions, with instructions to invite the Minister of Public Works for a hearing next Tuesday.
The decision follows a formal request by Nimba County District #5 Representative Kortor Sehwongbay Kwagrue, who raised concerns about alleged structural defects along sections of the road, warning that the problems could undermine the project’s durability and public value.
In a communication dated October 13, 2026, and read during Thursday’s sitting, October 15, Rep. Kwagrue requested that the House invite the Ministry of Public Works and East International Group, Inc., the company associated with the project, to explain the reported defects and provide details about the road’s construction standards.
The lawmaker said physical inspections along the corridor revealed significant engineering anomalies, particularly between ELWA Junction and the Rock International School zone, where the newly laid binder course reportedly exhibits extensive cracking.
According to Kwagrue, workers have repeatedly excavated and patched affected sections, raising questions about the quality of construction, engineering supervision and the expected lifespan of the road.
He stressed that the project is financed with public funds and taxpayers’ money, arguing that the Legislature has a responsibility to ensure transparency, accountability and value for money in national infrastructure development.
Kwagrue wants the relevant authorities and the contractor to explain the technical causes of the reported cracking, including whether material failures or other engineering factors contributed to the defects.
He also called for clarification on the highway’s certified design lifespan and the corrective measures being implemented to ensure structural durability.
Additionally, the lawmaker requested an official timeline for the road’s completion and handover, as well as details of the contractor’s defect-liability obligations, warranty arrangements and post-construction maintenance responsibilities.
The concerns place the project’s construction quality and long-term performance before the Legislature’s oversight process.
Following the reading of the communication, the House referred the matter to the Committee on Public Works and Concessions, directing it to invite the Minister of Public Works for a hearing next Tuesday and report its findings to the Plenary for further action.
The committee’s engagement is expected to provide a legislative platform for examining the reported defects and seeking explanations from the responsible authorities.
However, the allegations of structural defects have not, in the information provided to the House, been established through an independent engineering assessment.
The outcome of the hearing could help clarify the causes of the cracking, the corrective measures required and the contractual obligations governing the road project.
