MONROVIA – President Joseph N. Boakai administration has earmarked $98 million in its Draft National Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 to fund critical development projects, with a primary focus on road infrastructure and other key sectors. This allocation is part of the ARREST-Specific Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP), with additional support anticipated from a contingency budget.
Of the total amount, $52.9 million is designated for road construction and rehabilitation projects, including both ongoing and new initiatives. Key roadworks highlighted in the budget include the Saclepea-Zwedru section of the Southeastern Corridor Road Asset Management Project (SECRAMP), the Sanniquellie-Loguatuo highway, and the Salayea-Beyan Town segment of the Gbarnga-Mendikorma road. Despite previous delays, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) assures that these projects are now on track.
An additional $15 million has been allocated to the “No Car Will Be Stuck” initiative under the Pliable Roads Program. This initiative aims to ensure all-weather accessibility for urban streets, community roads, and farm-to-market routes, with particular focus on improving road conditions during Liberia’s rainy season. Planned upgrades include paving community roads with coal tar to enhance durability.
Beyond road development, the PSIP funds will support other essential infrastructure projects. These include rehabilitating the road between Gabriel Tucker Bridge and St. Paul’s Bridge, expanding Roberts International Airport, and upgrading the Liberia Broadcasting System to improve nationwide access to LNTV.
In the agriculture sector, $7 million has been set aside to boost research, enhance extension services for farmers, and develop value-added agricultural processes. The goal is to strengthen Liberia’s agricultural value chain, reduce reliance on imports, and promote export opportunities.
The education sector receives $5.3 million for initiatives such as renovating schools under the Monrovia Consolidated School System and expanding facilities at Booker Washington Institute. An additional $600,000 will fund the Digital Transformation Program to integrate technology into education, while $1 million is allocated for a school feeding program to enhance student nutrition and attendance.
In healthcare, $7.6 million will be invested in expanding and upgrading medical facilities. This includes $1.9 million for increasing capacity at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, as well as improvements to Jackson F. Doe Memorial Hospital in Nimba County and the reconstruction of CH Rennie Hospital in Margibi County.
The budget also directs $3.7 million to the Rule of Law sector, covering renovations of military housing, police barracks, and the Temple of Justice. It also supports the “Kush Must Go” anti-drug campaign. An additional $2.5 million is allocated to urban sanitation efforts, focusing on waste management in Monrovia, Paynesville, and other county capitals.
According to the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning, the FY 2025 budget underscores the government’s commitment to closing infrastructure gaps, enhancing economic productivity, and improving essential public services. These efforts are expected to drive sustainable growth and elevate the living standards of Liberians nationwide.
