SALAYEA, Lofa County — The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, on Tuesday, January 6, conducted an inspection tour of ongoing pavement works along the Gbarnga–Salayea segment of the Gbarnga–Mendikorma highway, reaffirming the Government of Liberia’s commitment to completing the long-delayed national infrastructure project.
The inspection took the Minister to several critical points along the corridor, including the rock crusher site at Gbarlatuah in Bong County and active asphalt paving areas that have now advanced beyond Gorlu Town in Lofa County, leaving approximately 13 kilometers to reach Salayea. The pavement works are being executed by CHICO, the contractor engaged by the Liberian Government to undertake the project.
Construction on the corridor had stalled since 2023, but CHICO recently remobilized, with asphalt paving activities intensifying following the contractor’s full return to the field in October 2025 after more than two years of inactivity. Project engineers informed Minister Ngafuan that pavement works are expected to reach Salayea before March 2026, with financing already secured to extend the pavement further to Konia.
Engineers disclosed that about 300 workers are currently employed on the project—down from a previous workforce of approximately 1,000—but noted that additional hiring is anticipated as construction activities expand. Minister Ngafuan used the visit to engage engineers and local day laborers, commending them for their dedication and for contributing meaningfully to national development.
Reaffirming the Government’s resolve, the Finance Minister assured workers and local residents that funding for the road project has been secured and emphasized that favorable weather conditions would be critical to sustaining progress and avoiding further delays. He also praised Public Works Minister Roland L. Giddings and his team for their oversight and follow-up efforts, noting that quality assurance remains a top priority as works resume in full force.
Providing historical context, Minister Ngafuan recalled that during his first tenure as Finance Minister, an initial US$2 million was secured in 2011 to finance the feasibility study for the Gbarnga–Mendikorma highway. Following the study, the project advanced under the leadership of then President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. While early financing support came from Kuwaiti partners, full project funding required the engagement of additional Arab development institutions.
He explained that support was subsequently mobilized through the Arab Consortium, including the Saudi Fund, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and the OPEC Fund for International Development. Former Finance Ministers Amara Konneh and Boima Kamara later sustained the process, ultimately securing financing for the first phase of the road—from Gbarnga to Salayea.
Minister Ngafuan welcomed CHICO’s remobilization and expressed confidence that the renewed momentum would deliver visible and sustained progress in the months ahead. The Lofa Road project remains a critical national infrastructure priority, expected to significantly improve connectivity, boost trade, and expand access to social services across Lofa County and neighboring regions. The inspection of the Gbarnga–Salayea pavement works marked the first stop on Minister Ngafuan’s official visit to Lofa County. He is also expected to tour major educational and health institutions in the county that are currently benefiting from government subsidies.
