By: Kabina S. Kabah – kabinaskabah98@gmail.com
MONROVIA – The Ministry of Public Works has unveiled an ambitious five-year roadmap aimed at transforming Liberia’s road network and supporting national development, with the launch of the Infrastructure Strategic Plan 2025–2029.
The plan was officially presented on Wednesday at a ceremony attended by senior government officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, as well as development partners such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings said the strategy is designed to significantly expand paved road coverage across the country, increasing the target from 485 kilometers to about 700 kilometers over the next five years.
Mr. Giddings described the initiative, dubbed the “Raw Aggression Vision,” as a bold effort to exceed previous infrastructure benchmarks and confront two major barriers to economic growth: limited access to sustainable energy and a weak road network.
According to Minister Giddings, the plan prioritizes the development of key economic corridors linking Central Liberia to Nimba County, the Southeast, and the Coastal Highway.
The Public Works Minister noted that these corridors will be advanced through innovative financing mechanisms, including Public-Private Partnerships, to accelerate implementation.
Deputy Minister for Technical Services Prince Tambah said the strategic plan covers the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of roughly 4,000 kilometers of roads nationwide, with an estimated total cost exceeding US$925 million.
He explained that the initiative is intended to improve rural connectivity, ease access to markets, enhance urban mobility, and reduce transportation and vehicle maintenance costs.
Assistant Minister for Planning, Research, and Programmes Rahin Bility said the new strategy builds on the African Development Bank–supported 2022 Road Sector Master Plan and clearly defines the Ministry’s mandate while aligning infrastructure development with national priorities.
He stressed that the plan places strong emphasis on climate-resilient infrastructure as a foundation for long-term socio-economic growth and social cohesion.
Bility added that strategic planning and financing under the framework are expected to strengthen social development outcomes while ensuring sustainability across the road sector.
In closing remarks, Assistant Minister Barchue called for a coordinated and integrated approach to infrastructure development, urging stakeholders to work together to maximize the plan’s overall impact.
The launch of the Infrastructure Strategic Plan signals the government’s renewed commitment to rebuilding Liberia’s infrastructure, with officials expressing optimism that the initiative will stimulate economic activity, improve access across the country, and create new opportunities for citizens nationwide.
