By Julius Konton
In a bid to strengthen the enforcement of Liberia’s Axle Load Law, the National Road Fund (NRF) has donated two brand new vehicles to the Ministry of Transport.
The vehicles, presented during an official handover ceremony, are intended to support field operations tied to the Axle Load enforcement initiative a key effort aimed at protecting the country’s road infrastructure from damage caused by overloaded trucks.
Speaking at the event, NRF Managing Director Joseta Neufville Wento emphasized the Fund’s commitment to supporting the Transport Ministry in implementing the law effectively.
“We are working to ensure that we support those who are implementing the project,” Wento said.
She revealed that the weighbridge facility in Clay has already generated approximately USD 70,000 in revenue since the project’s inception.
Additionally, the initiative has created employment opportunities, with 15 local residents from Bomi County hired by the Transport Ministry, and six more positions soon to be filled under the NRF.
“We are not only focusing on road maintenance, but also road safety,” Wento added.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Ministry of Transport, Deputy Minister for Rail and Safety, Rudolph Natt, described the vehicles as a “milestone achievement” for the ministry.
He stressed that the donation will significantly enhance the Ministry’s capacity to monitor road usage and enforce compliance with the Axle Load Law.
“These vehicles will ensure strict adherence to the law. We are committed to using them for their intended purpose monitoring and ensuring road safety,” Natt assured.
He also issued a public appeal to truck drivers and transport operators to comply with axle load regulations to help preserve Liberia’s road network.
Project expert Prince Daye Dahn Duwor disclosed that the Axle Load enforcement initiative will gradually expand across the country.
According to him, the plan includes the construction of 20 weighbridges by 2027, with ten key locations prioritized.
“We will construct weighbridges along corridors including Monrovia to Buchanan, Monrovia to Bo-Waterside, and Monrovia to Ganta,” Duwor said.
A new weighbridge is expected to be completed in Careysburg by November 2025, with additional sites planned in Cotton Tree, Gbarnga, and Ganta.
Duwor also shared concerning statistics on the prevalence of overloaded trucks, revealing that 72% of trucks from the Bo-Waterside corridor, 206% from Buchanan, and 310% from Ganta exceed legal weight limits.
He praised the NRF for its continued support and noted that the initiative will not only protect roads but also help generate revenue for future maintenance and road safety projects.
