NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has officially launched the construction of the extension of the Japan Freeway, describing the project as a critical investment that will improve transportation, strengthen economic activity, and reinforce the long-standing development partnership between Liberia and Japan.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue –trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Speaking Friday at the groundbreaking ceremony held at the Freeport of Monrovia, President Boakai said the 1.9-kilometre road project, which will extend from the Freeport of Monrovia to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge, represents another major milestone in his administration’s efforts to modernize Liberia’s infrastructure under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
The Liberian leader noted that although the road covers a relatively short distance, it is among the country’s most strategically important transport corridors because it connects Liberia’s principal seaport to the capital and serves as a vital route for the movement of people, goods and commercial activities.
“This road is the lifeline of Liberia’s economy,” President Boakai said, adding that its modernization will improve mobility, reduce travel time, facilitate regional trade, and enhance the daily lives of thousands of Liberians who rely on the corridor.
According to the President, the project will feature climate-resilient infrastructure designed to address the chronic flooding that has affected the area for years. The works will include improved drainage systems, durable pavement, better street lighting, enhanced pedestrian safety measures, and improved traffic flow.
The project is valued at approximately 2.7 billion Japanese Yen, equivalent to about US$16 million, and is being financed entirely through a grant from the Government of Japan.
President Boakai used the occasion to express the gratitude of the Government and people of Liberia to Japan for what he described as decades of unwavering friendship and development assistance.
He praised Japan as one of Liberia’s most trusted development partners, noting that through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Asian nation has made significant investments in roads, bridges, ports, healthcare, education, agriculture, food assistance, and human capacity development.
According to him, those investments have contributed significantly to improving the lives of Liberians and supporting the country’s post-conflict recovery and development efforts.
President Boakai also reflected on the history of the road, recalling that the corridor was formerly known as Somalia Drive before it was reconstructed with Japanese support.
He said the Liberian Government later renamed the road the Japan Freeway in recognition of Japan’s exceptional contribution to the country’s infrastructure development and the enduring friendship between the two nations.
The President disclosed that the extension project is expected to create approximately 175 jobs for Liberians during the construction phase.
He added that beyond direct employment, the project is also expected to generate economic opportunities for local suppliers, transport operators, service providers, and businesses operating along the corridor, thereby expanding its economic benefits across surrounding communities.
President Boakai said the investment directly supports his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which identifies modern infrastructure as a key pillar for accelerating economic transformation, promoting private-sector growth, creating employment opportunities, improving public service delivery, and enhancing the quality of life for Liberians.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding and modernizing Liberia’s transportation network through continued collaboration with international development partners and the private sector.
The President commended the Ministry of Public Works for its leadership in advancing the project from conception to implementation and encouraged JICA, Dai Nippon Construction Co., Ltd., and Eight-Japan Engineering Consultants Inc. to maintain the strong cooperation that has characterized the partnership.
He also appealed to residents, businesses, and motorists using the corridor to exercise patience and cooperate with contractors throughout the construction period.
Concluding his remarks, President Boakai reiterated Liberia’s profound appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support and officially declared the Japan Freeway Extension Project launched, paving the way for construction to begin.
