The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) alongside with its partners, on Wednesday, December 17, officially launched a five-year plan.
The Plan, dubbed: “Infrastructure Strategic Plan 2025-2029,” estimated at US$130 million.
The Ministry’s five years strategic plan, is more than just a roadmap; but a commitment to transform the infrastructure landscape, drive economic growth, and improve the quality of life for all.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from both the government and donor community.
They included representatives from Finance and Development Planning Ministry, National Road Fund, World Bank, China-Aid, the Swedish Embassy and the African Development Bank.
At the event, Public Works Minister, Roland Layfette Giddings, said, the Strategic Plan will serve as a guide for the full implementation of the plan, as the Ministry seeks to develop the Road Sector over the next five years.
Giddings described the Plan as the “Raw Aggression Vision,” intends to go beyond the expected outcomes as set out in the document.
The Ministry, he said, anticipates extending the targeted 485 kilometers of paved roads, by aiming to pave up to 700km of roads over the next five years.
Giddings also lauded his team and development partners, for the level of commitment and corporation that continued to exist between them.
“As it is being stated over the years, Liberia problem to economic growth is because of the lack of sustainable energy and access to road networks. But thank God, government has prioritized the two sectors as key drivers for investment.”
“We have identified major growth corridors that are being developed: the corridor that runs into Central Liberia; to Nimba, to the Southeast, the Coastal Highway, and the corridor that runs to Bo-Waterside, which is being advanced through a PPP Agreement or Private Financing.”
Giddings’ Deputy for Technical Services, Prince Tambah, said over the next five years, the Ministry aimed to construct, rehabilitate, and maintain approximately 4,000 kms of roads in every part of the country.
Tamba said, based on the Strategic Plan, the Ministry will construct approximately 500kms of new primary roads, that includes drainage structures, focusing on connecting rural communities to markets and boosting agriculture.
“We will construct 1,090kms of secondary road networks, and 2500kms of new links of feeder roads, rehabilitate 120kms of existing urban roads, enhancing safety and reducing travel time.”
He continues: “The maintenance of 125kms of paved urban roads to reduce vehicle maintenance cost and travel time. Maintain over 2,000 kms of existing unpaved roads, ensuring sustainability and accessibility.”
“Construction of public buildings (markets, city halls, centers,” Tamba.
Giddings’ Assistant for Planning, Research and Program, Rahin Bility, said the Plan drew from the AfDB funded 2022 Master Plan, which outlined the core mandate and functions of the Ministry.
Bility said, the Infrastructure Strategic Plan, has economic and social relief that enhances mobility and social cohesion amongst citizens.
He said the Plan, is basically a foundation for social development, and service delivery through coordinated financing, planning and research management.
“The Infrastructure Strategic Plan aligns with Pillar II of the AAID, which is the National Plan, and primarily focuses on the development of modern, reliable and climate-resilient infrastructure to socio-economic development.”
Assistant Finance Minister for Development Planning, Barchue, said the Ministry is committed to increase the allocation of Public Works for roads, which are crucial for national development outcomes.
He expressed satisfaction over the Works’ Ministry commitment to pass its targets in terms of road pavement. Barchue recommended a more holistic infrastructure strategic plan that focuses on other synergies in the road sector.
Development partners commended Public Works for a crafting plan that will improve the country infrastructure, and assured their full readiness to ensure that the plan is implemented.
Macpherson C. Marbiah writes/0886442881-0777250370