NATIONAL NEWS
CAPITOL HILL – Lofa County Senator Momo Tarnuekollie Cyrus has formally requested the Liberian Senate to summon East International Group to a public hearing for a comprehensive update on the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Highway Expansion and Pavement Project.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
In a communication dated May 20, 2026, and addressed to Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, Senator Cyrus raised serious concerns over reported construction delays, worsening road conditions, safety risks, and growing public dissatisfaction with the multi-million-dollar infrastructure project.
According to the senator, the RIA Highway Expansion Project was launched in February 2020 during the administration of former President George Weah at an estimated cost of approximately US$116 million.
The project is intended to transform the 45-kilometer stretch from ELWA Junction to Roberts International Airport into a modern four-lane highway aimed at easing congestion, improving transportation, and strengthening national connectivity.
Senator Cyrus noted that physical construction began in September 2021, with an original completion timeline of three years, projecting delivery around 2024.
However, he warned that recent assessments and public reports suggest the project may now extend toward 2027 due to implementation setbacks, operational challenges, and execution delays.
The senator described the Roberts International Airport Highway as Liberia’s “principal international gateway,” stressing its importance as the first impression for visitors, investors, diplomats, and international organizations.
He cautioned that continued delays and worsening road conditions could negatively affect public safety, economic activity, transport efficiency, and Liberia’s international image.
Senator Cyrus also highlighted increasing complaints from motorists, residents, commercial drivers, and transport operators regarding persistent traffic congestion, poor drainage systems, dust pollution, low nighttime visibility, incomplete pavement works, and rising road accidents within the construction corridor.
He maintained that a Senate public hearing would promote accountability, transparency, and public confidence in the management of the project and allow East International Group to clarify progress, remaining works, revised timelines, and causes of delays.
Following deliberations, the communication was forwarded to the Senate Committees on Public Works, Ways, Means and Finance.
The committees have been mandated to invite the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and East International Group to investigate the matter and report findings to Plenary within two weeks.
