GOMPA CITY, Nimba County — Liberia’s Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Public Works, Prince Tambah, has called for sweeping reforms and stronger collaboration within the engineering sector, declaring that engineering excellence, research, and innovation must anchor the country’s development drive.
Deputy Minister Tambah made the call when he delivered special remarks at the opening of the 8th Annual Conference of the Engineering Society of Liberia (ESOL), held in Gompa(Ganta) City, Nimba County, under the theme: “Promoting National Development through Engineering Excellence, Research, and Innovation.”
Addressing engineers, government officials, development partners, and members of ESOL, Tambah underscored the central role of engineering in rebuilding and modernizing Liberia’s infrastructure.
“As Liberia seeks to accelerate its development agenda, engineering excellence, research, and innovation must remain at the center of our national transformation,” he said. “The future of our roads, bridges, public buildings, and national infrastructure depends on the professionalism, integrity, and technical competence of Liberian engineers.”
Push for Regulatory Reforms and Standards
Deputy Minister Tambah emphasized the urgent need to strengthen regulatory frameworks to ensure that only qualified and licensed professionals undertake projects critical to national development.
He praised ESOL for establishing a robust licensing framework and for promoting research, innovation, and international partnerships. He noted that enforcing engineering standards is essential to improving safety, transparency, and accountability in the sector.
Reaffirming the Ministry of Public Works’ commitment to collaboration, Tambah pledged continued support for ESOL’s regulatory efforts and the enforcement of the Government of Liberia’s Local Content Policy, including the 25 percent local content requirement aimed at expanding opportunities for Liberian engineers and businesses.
“The Local Content Policy is not just a percentage on paper,” he stressed. “It is a pathway to economic empowerment, capacity building, and sustainable national growth.”
Proposed National Engineering Reforms
Using the platform of the conference, Tambah outlined a series of key reforms to strengthen Liberia’s engineering landscape. Among them:
- Development and adoption of a unified national building code to enhance safety and consistency in construction practices nationwide.
- Establishment of geometric design standards for roads and other infrastructure to improve functionality and reduce safety risks.
- Strengthening building inspection systems and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance and eliminate substandard construction practices.
- Formulation of a comprehensive National Engineering Policy in partnership with ESOL to guide engineering education, research and development, and public-private sector collaboration.
He also encouraged local engineering firms and contractors to pursue strategic partnerships, particularly with international firms, to facilitate technology transfer, build local capacity, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Deputy Minister Tambah commended ESOL for its active participation in the recent National Infrastructure Conference, noting that the outcomes of that engagement would help guide project prioritization, sector coordination, and resource mobilization across Liberia.
Historic Triple Recognition
Beyond policy discussions, the conference marked a historic personal milestone for Deputy Minister Tambah.
At the close of the four-day event, held from February 11–14, he received three of ESOL’s highest honors:
- Engineer of the Year 2025
- Outstanding Service Award for Excellence, recognizing his six years of dedicated service on ESOL’s Board of Directors
- Induction as a Fellow of the Engineering Society of Liberia, one of the institution’s most prestigious professional distinctions
The recognition marked the first time in the Society’s history that a single individual received three top honors at one conference.
The awards highlighted Tambah’s leadership, commitment to professional standards, and technical contributions both in public service and within ESOL.
Colleagues described the triple honor as a reflection of his sustained efforts to elevate engineering practice in Liberia and strengthen institutional governance within the profession.
Call for Unity and Professionalism
As the conference concluded, participants renewed calls for unity among engineers, policymakers, and development partners to harness technical expertise for sustainable national growth.
Deputy Minister Tambah urged members of the profession to remain steadfast in their commitment to professionalism and innovation.
“Engineering is not merely about structures,” he told attendees. “It is about shaping the future of our nation. The responsibility rests with us to ensure that what we build today stands as a testament to excellence for generations to come.”
The conference closed on a high note, with stakeholders reaffirming that engineering excellence must remain a cornerstone of Liberia’s infrastructure transformation agenda.
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