By: Julius Konton
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has officially broken ground for the construction of two overpass bridges project.
The landmark project first of its kind in the Country is exclusively funded by the Chinese government in the tune of 36.6m United States dollars.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai said the project when completed will be a visible sign of the Government keeping its promises to improve the efficiency of the road network for the Country.
According to him, such undertaking is rooted in the core of the national development plan, the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) which he pointed out is among the signature project of the government with high recognition that road infrastructure is fundamental to inclusive growth.
Roads he emphasized connects people to opportunities and are essential to ending rural neglect.
The Liberian leader stressed that by investing in modern road systems, the government is doing more than improving travel and is also building the foundation for a unified, accessible, and prosperous Liberia.
He used the ocassion to appreciate the People’s Republic of China for its ongoing generosity in supporting Liberia’s economic transformation.
“This cooperation and partnership between our two countries is at its best, with a significant focus on implementing tangible projects that align with our national development agenda”, he added.
At the same time , President Boakai praised the Ministry of Public Works for the careful preparation, technical diligence, and coordination required.
“Your steady work has brought us to this moment. By creating two modern, grade-separated intersections, we are now removing bottlenecks that have constrained mobility for years along Tubman Boulevard, leading to the city limits”, he reechoed.
The historic project upon completion in two years will provide numerous benefits to the people of Liberia, however, the Chief Executive was hasten to mention that there
will be fewer conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians, which will decrease crashes and injuries.
On the other hand, he outlined some of the meaningful benefits as enhancing logistics for traders, schools, clinics, and small businesses along the corridor will boost activity and lower transportation costs.
At the same time, he pointed out that the project will help reduce travel time during peak hours for travelers along the corridor, Ensure improved traffic regulation and support for public transportation efficiency, highlighting that these benefits are significant to the nation and its people.
He re-emphasized that jobs and local opportunities are integral to his vision.
“Moreover, this project will create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs—from skilled technicians and machine operators to vendors and support services”, he noted.
President Boakai also encouraged the contractor to uphold the highest standards of quality, safety, and Liberian participation, including decent work standards and on-the-job training that builds long-term national capacity.
As the project will cause temporary inconvenience through diversions, slower traffic and work zones, the Liberian leader urged businesses and residents along the project corridors to exercise patience, cooperate with traffic officers, and as well as their commitment to road safety.
” Please respect barriers, follow signs, and keep children away from work areas. These short-term inconveniences are the cost of long-term investment and progress.
Still, the result will definitely be worth it”, he noted.
At the same time, he challenged the supervision and design teams to enforce standards and transparency in execution.
Moreover, he indicated that groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone as his Government prioritizes infrastructure investment to drive economic growth by building roads and bridges that connect communities and provide access to agricultural and mining regions.
Speaking further he stated that the move is also part of investments in energy and water supply to overcome economic growth barriers by aligning public resources and donor support with national development goals.
“I want to emphasize a principle that guides this Government: maintenance and stewardship. We will not only construct but also maintain. These overpasses will be part of a corridor managed with discipline, which involves enforcing right-of-way, restricting unnecessary parking, and upholding road safety rules. Infrastructure is only adequate in delivery when we take care of it”, he re-emphasized.
He called on all Liberians to appreciate transformational grow, Respect new developments and keep the environment clean as the project team embarks on a new development drive for the Country.
“Together, we are building the Liberia we promised: a safer, faster, more connected, and more prosperous Liberia”, he re-emphasized.
The project he reference will change how people travel, trade, and live along one of the Capital’s busiest routes.
According to him, The two overpass bridges on Tubman Boulevard, one near the Ministerial Complex and the other further east at SKD Boulevard, are more than just concrete and steel but are practical solutions to reduce congestion, improve road safety, and prevent the economic losses which the people face every day due to traffic delays in delivering and acquiring goods and services, as well as the movement of ambulances and fire trucks to where they are most needed.
President Boakai reemphasized the importance and power of road infrastructure stating that it shortens distances, lowers costs, and enhances economic growth.
