By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Saturday, April 18, 2026, officially broke ground for the long-anticipated Western Corridor Road Development Project, describing the initiative as a turning point in Liberia’s quest for national development and regional connectivity.
Speaking in Bo Waterside, Grand Cape Mount County, the Liberian leader declared the project a “defining moment in our nation’s journey toward development and progress,” emphasizing that his administration remains committed to delivering tangible improvements in infrastructure across the country.
The ceremony was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including Julius Maada Bio, whose presence Boakai said underscores the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between Liberia and Sierra Leone. He noted that the road project will further strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cross-border cooperation.
Reaffirming a key campaign promise, President Boakai stressed that road development remains central to his administration’s agenda. “From the earliest days of my campaign and in my Annual Messages to the nation, I made a firm commitment to prioritize the development of Liberia’s road network,” he said, adding that the effort is aimed at transforming lives and unlocking opportunities for citizens, particularly those in rural areas.
The President painted a stark picture of Liberia’s infrastructure deficit, revealing that out of more than 14,000 kilometers of roads nationwide, only 1,442 kilometers are paved. “For a nation approaching 200 years of existence, this is simply intolerable,” Boakai asserted, acknowledging both progress made and the urgency for accelerated action.
Despite these challenges, Boakai maintained an optimistic outlook, promising a decisive shift in infrastructure development. “Yes, progress has been made over the past two years. But we must do more. And we will do more,” he declared, framing the road project as a matter of national dignity and respect for the Liberian people.
The Western Corridor Road, which will connect Montserrado, Bomi, and Grand Cape Mount Counties, is expected to serve as a strategic gateway to Sierra Leone and the broader West African region. According to Boakai, the project will significantly boost trade, improve transportation, and facilitate economic growth.
He further highlighted complementary infrastructure plans, including the proposed Voinjama to Mendikorma corridor, noting that these developments will collectively “enhance cross-border trade, stimulate economic activity, and accelerate progress toward our national development goals.”
The project, valued at approximately US$364 million, will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership with Pavifort Al Associates over a 25-year period. Boakai explained that the initiative will deliver modern, durable roads designed to reduce travel time and lower transportation costs across the country.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the President emphasized the human impact of the project, announcing that it will create over 1,000 jobs for young Liberians while improving access to markets, healthcare, and education. “This project is about the people,” he said. “It will bring markets closer to farmers, patients to healthcare, and children to schools.”
Looking ahead, Boakai revealed that construction has officially commenced, with completion expected by 2030. He assured that the road will be built to international standards, incorporating climate resilience and long-term maintenance systems to ensure sustainability.
In closing, President Boakai called for national unity and collective commitment to development. “Let us move forward together toward a future where every road leads to opportunity and every journey brings us closer as one nation,” he urged, reinforcing his administration’s vision of inclusive growth and national transformation.
