MONROVIA – Momo Tarnuekollie Cyrus, Senator of Lofa County, has called on the Liberian Senate to launch a public investigation into the prolonged delays surrounding the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Highway Expansion and Pavement Project, citing growing public frustration, safety concerns, and uncertainty over the project’s completion timeline.
In a formal communication submitted on May 20, 2026, to Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Senator Cyrus requested that East International Group be summoned before the Senate to provide a comprehensive update on the status of the multi-million-dollar infrastructure project, including progress made, implementation challenges, and expected completion dates.
According to Senator Cyrus, the RIA Highway project was launched in February 2020 during the administration of former President George Weah with an estimated cost of US$116 million.
The project was intended to transform the nearly 45-kilometer corridor stretching from ELWA Junction to Roberts International Airport into a modern four-lane highway designed to improve transportation, enhance road safety, and stimulate economic activities.
When completed, the highway is expected to feature modern street and traffic lights, upgraded drainage and culvert systems, pedestrian facilities, and expanded road infrastructure aimed at easing traffic congestion and reducing accidents along one of Liberia’s busiest transport corridors.
The RIA Highway remains Liberia’s principal international gateway, serving as the main route connecting Monrovia to the country’s only international airport and acting as a critical corridor for diplomatic traffic, trade, tourism, and international investment.
The senator noted that construction officially commenced in September 2021 with an anticipated completion period of three years, targeting delivery around 2024.
However, with construction still ongoing well beyond the original timeline, concerns are reportedly growing that the project may now not be completed until 2027 due to operational setbacks and implementation difficulties.
Recent audit findings by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) have further intensified scrutiny surrounding the project.
A compliance audit released earlier this year reportedly found that the project was only about 64 percent complete during the audit period despite substantial disbursements already made to the contractor.
The audit also raised concerns over payment discrepancies, incomplete documentation, missing road safety infrastructure, and alleged irregularities involving project management and implementation.
Among the issues highlighted were allegations that more than US$1.15 million was paid to the contractor without the required completion certification, while nearly US$578,000 in project-related payments reportedly could not be fully reconciled across government institutions.
Auditors additionally observed structural defects, unfinished drainage systems, lack of traffic signs and streetlights, and pavement deterioration in portions of the completed road sections.
Describing the highway as Liberia’s “principal international gateway,” Senator Cyrus stressed that the road remains one of the country’s most strategic national assets and serves as the first impression for investors, diplomats, international partners, and visitors entering Liberia.
He warned that the prolonged delays and deteriorating road conditions are not only creating daily hardships for commuters and residents but are also negatively affecting Liberia’s international image.
The senator further highlighted mounting complaints from motorists and transport operators regarding heavy traffic congestion, excessive dust pollution, poor drainage systems, weak nighttime visibility, unfinished pavement sections, and increasing accident risks along the highway corridor.
According to Cyrus, a public Senate hearing would promote accountability, transparency, and public confidence in the management and execution of one of Liberia’s largest ongoing infrastructure projects.
He added that such a hearing would also provide East International Group with an opportunity to explain completed phases of work, outline remaining activities, clarify revised deadlines, and address the reasons behind the persistent delays.
Meanwhile, the communication has reportedly been forwarded to the Senate Committees on Public Works and Ways, Means and Finance, with instructions to invite the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and East International Group to appear for investigation and provide a full report to the Senate within two weeks.
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