The Government of Liberia has signed a $64m loan agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to begin the initial phase of a major highway construction programme.
To be approved by the National Legislature, the loan agreement signals the start the construction of 50km of the 125km-long Fish Town-Harper road programme.
The proposed route connects Liberia with neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea, facilitating the movement of goods and services.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Liberia’s Finance Minister Amara Konneh said that the deal will help to develop historically marginalised Southeastern Liberia, while improving businesses that will eventually enhance the national economy.
The agreement comes at the time when the citizens of Southeastern Liberia are separated from the rest of the country due to poor road conditions.
This project aims to improve residents’ access to hospitals and schools, while generating employment opportunities for around 500 people.
Konneh said that the government is closely working with development partners, such as the AfDB, in order to mobilise resources for the completion of the entire Harper-Ganta highway section.
AFDB resident representative Margaret Kilo said that the proposed road programme is part of the Mano River Union Initiative Transport component, which once completed, will comprise the construction of the complete Harper to Ganta highway, connecting Liberia to Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire.
Funds for the second stage of Fish Town-Harper road programme will be procured in early 2014 when the allocation for Liberia under the ADF-13 replenishment is declared, Kilo added.
The highway project will be executed through the labour-based public works project implementation by Liberia’s Ministry of Public Works.