A significant stride towards advancing rural infrastructure in Liberia was made with the launch of the Liberian Swedish Feeder Road Project, titled “The Village Access Road.” This vital initiative aims to establish crucial road connectivity across three key agricultural counties: Bong, Lofa, and Nimba.
The foundation for this project was laid in June 2024, when the Liberian government entered a grant agreement with the Swedish government amounting to $5 million for the implementation of the “Liberian Swedish Access-Driven Rural Development Program” (LISA). This initiative is effective from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, and is aligned with pillar two of the ARREST AGENDA of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, focusing on enhancing road infrastructure.
The overarching goal of LISA is to empower farmers and improve their livelihoods through the development of sustainable village access roads. By connecting rural communities to mainstream markets, the initiative is anticipated to boost agricultural productivity and foster economic development in the targeted counties.
The first phase of the Liberian-Swedish Feeder Road Project commenced in 2009, which focused on rehabilitating primary and secondary roads, as well as larger feeder roads across several central counties, including Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, River Gee, and Grand Kru. Building upon this earlier work, the current phase will involve constructing 195 kilometers of new village access roads only in Bong, LOFA, and Nimba Counties.
The breakdown of the access roads under this project highlights its expansive reach: 60 kilometers in Bong County —focusing on the districts of Zota, Panta, Suakoko, Yealequelleh, Jorquelleh, and Salala/Kanwolia. 45 kilometers in Lofa County —covering Zorzor, Voinjama, Kolahun, and Foya districts. 90 kilometers in Nimba County —including Bain-gah, Doe, Sanniquelle Mehn, Gbehlay-geh, Zoe-Gbor, and Gbao districts.
Additionally, the project stipulates maintenance for 10.2 kilometers in Zota, 71.7 kilometers in Salayeah, Zorzor, Voinjama, and Quardu Bundi Districts, and 92.7 kilometers in Doe, Boe-Quaila, Kparblee, and Gbehlay-geh Districts. These roads are primarily intended for use by tricycles and motorcycles, ensuring that even the most remote communities can participate in broader economic networks.
At the launch of the event, Bong County Senator Prince Kermue Moye, along with the Superintendents of Lofa and Bong Counties, J. Lavelah Massaquoi and Loleyah Hawa Norris, expressed their deep gratitude to both the Government of Liberia under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Swedish Government for their generous support in this endeavor. The senators urged local residents in the targeted communities to actively collaborate with project implementers to facilitate its success.
The launch ceremony saw the presence of key stakeholders, including Hon. Albert Toukolon, Assistant Minister for Community Services at the Ministry of Public Works, Jocelia Tarplah, Deputy Minister for Rural Community Development, and Mr. Carl-Henrik Jacobson, Program Officer for Inclusive Economic Development at the Swedish Embassy in Liberia. Their participation underscores the project’s importance in fostering collaboration between governments and communities.
As Liberia seeks to enhance its road infrastructure, the Liberian-Swedish Feeder Roads Project represents a critical investment in the nation’s future. By improving access to markets for farmers and rural communities, the initiative promises to elevate economic prospects, alleviate poverty, and support sustainable rural development.
This project marks a significant achievement in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to bolster agricultural productivity and enhance the overall quality of life for its citizens. With community collaboration and continued support from international partners, the vision of a more connected and prosperous Liberia is becoming a tangible reality.
