VIENNA, Austria – Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan says Liberia will move seamlessly from financing to construction on the Salayea–Konia Road, vowing there will be “no stoppage” as the government pushes ahead with one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects in decades.
By Jaheim T. Tumu- jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com
Minister Ngafuan made the pledge on Tuesday, June 23 after signing a US$30 million loan agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
The financing will pave the Salayea–Konia corridor, a vital segment of the Gbarnga–Mendikorma Highway that connects Bong and Lofa Counties to regional trade routes and neighboring Sierra Leone and Guinea.
“On behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Government and people of Liberia, I extend sincere appreciation to BADEA for this significant investment in our nation’s infrastructure,” Minister Ngafuan said.
This financing demonstrates confidence in Liberia’s development trajectory and will have a transformative impact on communities across Bong and Lofa Counties.
The Vienna signing, held on the sidelines of the OPEC Fund Development Forum and 50th anniversary celebrations, symbolized Liberia’s renewed partnership with Arab lenders.
Minister Ngafuan underscored that the deal reflects Liberia’s restored credibility with international partners after years of stalled projects.
He recalled that when the Boakai administration came into office, the Gbarnga–Salayea corridor was at a standstill.
“When we came in as a government two years ago, the project was stalled with no movement on the Gbarnga–Salayea Corridor. There were issues because we, as a government, were not meeting our commitments,” Minister Ngafuan explained.
He said the ministry worked closely with partners to renegotiate terms and revive momentum.
“So, Mr. Giddings, I, and our team worked and traveled to Kuwait last April to put us back on the path through renegotiations and to ensure that this government meets those previous obligations it inherited,” he added.
Minister Ngafuan emphasized that those efforts have paid off. “Through those efforts, there were commitments to continue, and we are seeing the actualizations of those commitments today,” he said.
The Salayea–Konia Road is expected to reduce transport costs, ease the movement of agricultural goods, and strengthen trade ties with Sierra Leone and Guinea under the Mano River Union framework.
Minister Ngafuan stressed that the project is part of a vision to modernize Liberia’s infrastructure.
“This government believes there should be no stoppage in that project,” he said, noting that the administration is determined to avoid delays that plagued past initiatives.
The project is expected to stimulate economic growth by attracting private investment, creating jobs, and strengthening regional trade linkages. Minister Ngafuan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring timely ratification and implementation of the agreement.
He said Liberia is ready to dedicate the completed Gbarnga–Salayea Road and launch the Salayea–Konia–Voinjama leg during the independence celebrations in July.
Together with financing from the Kuwait Fund, the Saudi Fund for Development, and the OPEC Fund, the initiative represents one of the largest road development programs in Liberia’s recent history.
BADEA’s President Abdullah Almusabeeh, who signed on behalf of the Arab development institution, praised Liberia’s commitment and confirmed plans to visit the country in July for its 179th independence celebrations.
“We extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to President Joseph Boakai for the invitation and assure that BADEA is committed to supporting Liberia’s infrastructure drive,” Almusabeeh said.
He noted that BADEA is not only financing roads but also exploring opportunities in energy, water, sanitation, and health.
Accordingly, discussions are underway for potential support to the Botota–Mendikorma Electrification Project, water supply systems in Ganta, Buchanan, and Kakata, and sewage rehabilitation in Montserrado County.
Almusabeeh confirmed that BADEA will join other Arab financiers in Liberia for the dedication ceremony. “We are making plans to visit Liberia in July for the dedication of the completed pavement of the Gbarnga–Salayea road and the launch of the Salayea–Konia–Voinjama leg of the road,” he said.
