By Desmond Gbeleh Wion
Capitol Hill, Monrovia — In a major step toward strengthening regional integration and rural development, the Government of Liberia has announced the start of pavement works along the crucial Barclayville–Sasstown–Wesseh Village road corridor in Grand Kru County. The 50-kilometer project, funded by the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), is set to transform one of Liberia’s most underserved regions and fulfill a key promise under the national infrastructure development plan. As part of the project’s Resettlement Action Plan, the government has scheduled the period from August 28, 2024, to May 3, 2025, to distribute compensation packages to all affected persons.
Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando, speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular Thursday press briefing, underscored the significance of the project for Grand Kru County, which has long struggled with poor road conditions. Sando assured residents that the government is committed to building durable, climate-resilient roads that will open up isolated communities and foster sustainable development. He emphasized that the project is not merely about laying asphalt but about connecting families, expanding economic opportunities, and improving quality of life for citizens.
The Barclayville–Sasstown–Wesseh Village corridor has historically been plagued by rough, impassable terrain, particularly during the rainy season. The new pavement is expected to drastically reduce travel time, improve market access for farmers, strengthen education and healthcare delivery, and foster greater peace and unity within the region.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has prioritized infrastructure development under his ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, viewing road construction as a symbol of the government’s determination to close the development gap between urban and rural Liberia. Residents of the Southeast, many of whom felt neglected during the previous administration, are beginning to see tangible improvements in road connectivity, fulfilling President Boakai’s vision that “every Liberian matters, regardless of where they live.”
The project also emphasizes community involvement and economic empowerment. Local labor will be employed during various phases of construction, providing hundreds of job opportunities for young people in Grand Kru County. In addition, the project includes skills training initiatives aimed at equipping youth with technical knowledge in road maintenance and construction. Environmentally sound engineering practices, including drainage systems and culverts, are being incorporated to ensure the road’s longevity and resilience against erosion.
Across Grand Kru County, the announcement has been met with enthusiasm. Community leaders, youth groups, and women’s organizations have praised the government’s decision, calling it a long-overdue response to decades of isolation and poor infrastructure. “For years, our people have suffered due to poor road conditions,” said Hon. Edwin Kayjlay, a prominent local politician. “Now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
As Liberia advances its infrastructure agenda, the Barclayville–Sasstown–Wesseh Village road project stands as a beacon of progress and a tangible sign that development is no longer a distant hope but an emerging reality. Combined with ongoing investments in energy, education, health, and security, Liberia is laying the groundwork for a brighter, more connected future.
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