The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, on Monday, February 9, reaffirmed government’s commitment to accelerate national infrastructure development.
Ngafuan made the commitment as a delegation of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) visits the country to review ongoing projects and assess financing for new priority interventions.
His remark was during a courtesy call by the Saudi delegation at his office in Monrovia.
Abdulrahman Bin Ahujaa Al-Habri is the Director of West Africa Operations of the Saudi Fund for Development.
Al-Habri heads the delegation to Monrovia.
Ngafuan told members of the delegation that said visit forms part of government’s broader strategy to mobilize international financing to fast-track infrastructure and other critical economic development projects nationwide.
Mr. Ngafuan noted that before the assumption of office by the current administration, several infrastructure interventions were stalled due to the inability of the previous government to meet its financial commitments to development partners, including the Saudi Fund.
“It took the efforts of this administration to visit Kuwait to meet the Arab Lenders, and reassured them of our willingness to reopen the partnership.”
He disclosed that the government has already secured financing commitments for the Salayea–Konia corridor from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and entered into a concession arrangement with PAVIFORT for the Mendikorma–Voinjama corridor.
Ngafuan said, ongoing discussions with the Saudi Fund for Development for the Konia–Voinjama corridor would complete the financing framework for the entire Gbarnga/Mendikorma highway.
“What we are doing with our colleagues is to ensure that the road reaches Voinjama. The Saudi Fund is primarily interested in the leg from Konia to Voinjama.”
He spoke of the strategic importance of the highway, noting that it connects agricultural, and mineral-rich counties to domestic markets, and key cross-border trade posts, thereby boosting trade, investment, and regional integration.
“The road connects not only Lofa, but also Bong County, which are rich in agriculture, minerals, and trade opportunities, because of their borders with the Republic of Guinea.”
Ngafuan further announced that the Zorzor–Yeala Town road corridor, which hosts a major border immigration post, is also under consideration for possible financing by the Saudi Fund.
Mr. Al-Habri conveyed warm greetings from the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development.
He reaffirmed the continuation of the more than 48-year partnership between the Republic of Liberia, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Al-Habri meanwhile, commended the credibility of the current government, describing the Boakai leadership as a key factor in the Fund’s renewed engagement with the country.
He expressed the SFD’s willingness to review proposals for priority development projects, and provide financing where feasible.
Among the projects highlighted for consideration are the pavement of the Konia/Voinjama corridor along the ongoing Gbarnga/Mendikorma highway, as well as the extension of electricity from the Botota CLSG sub-station to communities along the corridor.
Mr. Al-Habri disclosed that a formal request for financing of the electricity extension project, has already been submitted by Liberia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the government.