By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
BUCHANAN — A joint delegation from the Grand Bassa County Administration, the National Investment Commission (NIC), and the African Development Bank (AfDB) has completed a high-level inspection of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone Project site in rural Grand Bassa County, as preparations intensify for the start of major construction activities.
The assessment visit, which took place on Wednesday, October 8, brought together local government officials, project coordinators, and senior AfDB executives.
Acting Superintendent James W. Duen, through the County Finance Officer, Paul Y. Piah, coordinated the visit in collaboration with the Project Coordinator, Andrew Anderson, and NIC representatives to ensure readiness ahead of the project’s next phase.
The African Development Bank delegation included Task Manager Mr. Chuma Ezedinma and Environmental Expert Mr. Clement Henry Yari, who participated in a stakeholder engagement forum and toured ongoing processing initiatives involving oil, rice, and cassava at Grand Bassa University.
The team also interacted with residents of Gbarpue Town, located in Electoral District #5, to discuss community concerns and expectations surrounding the development.
According to project officials, the US$16 million Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone Project represents a flagship investment initiative of the Government of Liberia aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, job creation, and economic growth.
The project, financed by the African Development Bank, will feature the construction of key infrastructure, including access roads, perimeter fencing, and power connections to surrounding communities.
The African Development Bank executives were reportedly satisfied with the level of local preparedness and the County Administration’s coordination efforts.
They also noted the importance of community resettlement and inclusion before the formal handover of the construction site to MH & A Core Construction Company in November, which will mark the beginning of full-scale implementation and local hiring of skilled and unskilled workers.
Once completed, the Agro-Industrial Processing Zone is expected to attract multiple manufacturing companies, create hundreds of jobs, and stimulate the local economy through value-added agricultural production.
The project will also extend electricity supply to nearby villages and towns in the Gbarpue and Bacconie communities, further strengthening rural development in Grand Bassa.
Several residents expressed excitement and appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus, and County Authorities for prioritizing the region in such a transformative national development program.
“This project brings real hope for jobs and development,” said one community elder. “We are grateful to the government and the African Development Bank for remembering Grand Bassa.”
Construction work on the site is expected to commence in November 2025.
