By Patrick Stephen Tokpah/BONG
The Ministry of Public Works (MPW), through the Liberian-Swedish Access Driven Rural Development Programme (LISA), has concluded consultative engagement with authorities in Gbarnga, Bong County.
The consultative meeting, amongst other things, focused on the construction of 60 kilometers of village access roads in Bong County under the Sweden International Development Agency’s (SIDA) fund for Village Access Roads (VARs).
The transition from Feeder to Village Access Roads (VARs) is aimed at enabling farmers to transport their produce from the farms to the big markets, thereby improving commerce and trade for the local farmers.
Several districts in Bong County are to benefit from the road construction, including Zota, Panta, Salala, Suakoko, Yealequelleh, and Jorquelleh respectively.
Jocelia Taplah, Deputy Minister for Rural Development and Community Services at the Ministry of Public Works, praised the Swedish Government for its support to the government of Liberia through the Public Works Ministry.
Minister Taplah, who is heading a delegation to tour Bong, Nimba, and Lofa Counties, used the occasion to recount the historicity of Sweden’s Feeder Road Projects in Liberia, which date back to 2009.
The Public Works Deputy Minister, at the same time, called on the leadership of Bong County to take ownership of the project, adding that the project also seeks to empower community dwellers through the provision of short-term job opportunities, something she said will buttress the ARREST AGENDA for Inclusive Development for Liberians.
Moreover, Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Public Works and its Swedish partner. She further pledged her commitment to helping the Ministry in the supervision of the project in the County.
The Bong County Superintendent further revealed that the people of Bong County are very excited about the implementation of the road project in their districts.
Superintendent Norris assured the Ministry of Public Works that her office remains committed to ensuring that the vision of the President is achieved in the county.
Meanwhile, the Project Director, Elvis Mensahn said that the duration of the project is twenty-four (24) months, and is expected to provide training for community dwellers to help maintain the village access roads in the Districts.
Mr. Elvis Mensahn put the total kilometers of village access roads under the project to 195 kilometers of track roads in Bong, Lofa, and Nimba Counties: 60 kilometers in Bong, 45 kilometers in Lofa, and 90 kilometers in Nimba.
They made the statement in Gbarnga on March 24, 2025, at the office of the county superintendent.
In Bong: MPW, Partner Embark On 60KM Roads Construction
