MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia has taken a major step toward revitalizing critical infrastructure in the country’s northwestern region by signing a US$30 million loan agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to upgrade the 50-kilometer Salayea–Konia Road in Lofa County.
The agreement, signed at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) on January 27, 2026, also includes an additional US$700,000 grant from BADEA aimed at improving health service delivery along the Gbarnga–Voinjama Road Corridor, linking road development directly to public welfare.
Finance and Development Planning Minister Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan signed the loan on behalf of Liberia, while BADEA’s Head of Delegation, Mr. Abdellah El Bouchikhi, signed for the bank. Minister Ngafuan described the agreement as a “visible testament to the strong partnership between Liberia and BADEA” and expressed gratitude for the bank’s appraisal mission and continued support.
Reflecting on the challenges inherited by the current administration, Minister Ngafuan told the press, “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.”
He explained that decisive actions, including a renegotiation mission to Kuwait last April, were taken to restore confidence with development partners. “Through those efforts, there were commitments to continue, and we are seeing the actualizations of those commitments today,” Minister Ngafuan added, underscoring the tangible progress along the corridor.
The Minister of Public Works, Hon. Roland L. Giddings, welcomed BADEA as a “contributive and reliable partner to Liberia’s road sector,” noting that support from the bank has enabled the Ministry to develop a national toll policy. “With the support we have received, the Ministry of Public Works is developing a toll policy that will allow for the placement of toll and rest stations on the Gbarnga–Voinjama Highway,” he said.
Minister Giddings explained that the toll initiative will play a critical role in sustaining Liberia’s road infrastructure. “This will greatly aid in the routine maintenance of the Gbarnga–Voinjama Highway and other key road corridors currently under consideration,” he emphasized, signaling a shift toward long-term infrastructure sustainability.
Health benefits were highlighted by Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, who described the funding as “a great day for the people of Salayea and Konia.” She stressed that improved roads will facilitate better access to health services and that the US$700,000 grant will support the renovation of clinics along the corridor. “This initiative highlights the fact that roads and health are deeply connected. When roads improve, access to health care improves; and when clinics are strengthened, lives are saved,” she said.
BADEA’s Mr. Abdellah El Bouchikhi underlined the bank’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s infrastructure and social development. “BADEA is pleased to support the Government of Liberia in advancing critical infrastructure and social development projects. This financing underscores our commitment to sustainable development and regional integration,” he said.
The Salayea–Konia Road Project will be implemented by the Ministry of Public Works through the Infrastructure Implementation Unit (IIU), with the government emphasizing that construction should proceed without interruption to ensure timely completion and maximize benefits for local communities along this critical transport and health corridor.
