After the Rain Multipurpose Farmers’ Cooperative Limited, has on a self-help basis, rehabilitated the damaged section of Liberia/Sierra Leone highway.
The damaged areas were mainly between Laypalo, and Kelima Bendu inside Lofa County.
The road repair exercise was carried out on Monday, October 12, in response to the deteriorating condition of the route.
Prior to the repair work, the section of the road affected the movement of commuters, and other road users, particularly during the rainy season.
After the Rain Cooperative Board Chair, B. Augustine Sangalie, told reporters that the intervention was to improve road connectivity, and ease the transportation of people, goods, and services between communities.
Sangalie: “The poor condition of the road created so much difficulties for farmers transporting their agricultural produce to markets, as well as traders and commuters. As a farmers-based cooperative, the organization recognizes the importance of accessible roads to agricultural production, trade, and local economic development.”
He said, members of the Cooperative took the action, “because the continued deterioration of the road created challenges for residents, and other road users.”
The highway, Sangalie said, serves as an important economic corridor for Lofa County.
He noted that improving the Laypalo/Kelima Bendu section will facilitate cross-border trade, strengthen community relations, and improve the movement of agricultural goods and services.
Sangalie also called on authorities at the Ministry of Public Works, and other development partners to support community-led initiatives to maintain feeder roads, and improve transportation infrastructure.
Meanwhile, residents and motorists who regularly use the route have commended the Cooperative for its intervention.
They described the intervention as a timely response to the challenges posed by the damaged road.
They however appealed to relevant authorities to undertake a permanent rehabilitation of the highway to ensure safer, and more reliable transportation between the affected communities.
After the Rain Multipurpose Farmers’ Cooperative intervention highlights the role of community-based organizations to address local infrastructure challenges.
