The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Public Works, has commenced the demolition of homes along the long-anticipated Barclayville–Sasstown 50KM road corridor, marking a significant phase in the execution of one of southeastern Liberia’s major infrastructure projects.The exercise which began on Monday, April 28, 2026, has affected communities including Nrokia, Wessah, and Daryokpo, where more than 100 structures were reportedly removed to pave the way for road construction works.
According to officials, affected residents had previously received resettlement compensation as part of the project’s implementation plan.
The road project is being financed through the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), under an agreement signed in 2019 between the Government of Liberia and the regional financial institution. At the time of signing, Liberia was under the administration of former President George Weah, while the country’s delegation was represented by senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, including then Deputy Minister for Economic Management, Augustus J. Flomo. Although the agreement is often politically associated with the Weah administration due to its initiation, the current implementation is being carried forward under the government of President Joseph Boakai, who has prioritized road infrastructure development across the country.
The funding arrangement with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) was finalized in Lomé, Togo, during a board engagement, paving the way for the 50KM highway project aimed at improving connectivity, reducing travel time, and boosting economic activity in Grand Kru County. Speaking to Grand Kru Rise, an elder from one of the affected communities described the situation as emotional but necessary, noting that residents had been duly informed prior to the demolition process. “Development comes with pain, and we must go through it for a better future,” he said, while acknowledging that compensation had been received by many affected households. Despite the disruption, some residents expressed optimism that the project will bring long-term benefits, including improved transportation, increased trade, and better access to services.
The Barclayville–Sasstown road remains one of the most anticipated infrastructure developments in southeastern Liberia, with officials describing it as a “transformational corridor” for economic growth once completed.