Public Works Ministry says the Gbarnga to Voinjama road connections and onward to Kolahun including Foya and Vahun are ready for ahead of President George Weah’s last leg tour of the country.
Acting Minister Ruth Coker-Collins said contractors like the Chinese International Company (CHICO), New Millennium Construction Company and West Africa Construction Company have upgraded all those deplorable spots including coverts or drainages and will be completed before tomorrow, June 2.
She told a hurriedly arrangement news conference on Monday, May 31 at the Ministry of Information that rehabilitation works are being carried out on those roads to make the President and entourage fourth tour of the country mainly to Lofa County enjoyable.
“Lofa roads have been upgraded. From Gbarnga to Salayea, Zorzor, Konia, Voinjama, Kolahun, Foya and Vahun have been worked on by contractors,” the Minister noted.
The Minister said the worse or most deplorable parts of the stretch was between Konia and Voinjama where lots of work was done by the contractors and they must be commended for the hard work in the improvement of roads connectivity.
“Those roads are ready for use. Any vehicle including taxi cabs is pliable following significant progress. We are grateful in spite of the limited funding being made available,” the Minister stated.
Commenting on other road projects countrywide, the Minister said the ELWA to Red-light road is in progress as the contractors are working 18 hours daily to have the job done ahead of schedule.
For the Somalia Drive to Red-light road, Coker-Collins stated that corridor is nearing completion as finishing touches were being worked on but the dedication of that stretch could be done during the July 26 Independence Day Celebration.
About ELWA to the Roberts International Airport, she noted that payments of affected structures within the construction site are ongoing as those who have already received paid were now breaking down those structures voluntarily but active work will commence in October of this year.
Notwithstanding, the Minister advanced that earthworks by the contractors and engineers were in progress as the project must be completed within a 3-year time, adding “Of the US$739.000 government has paid over US$400.000 to affected structures owners.”
“There could be toll booths built on that road. This is important from the experience we got when visited Sierra Leone recently. Because the road fund is not enough to cover all road projects nationwide but when tolls are paid it would help significantly,” she opined.
The Minister then stated that contractors and engineers for the construction of the overhead bridges at the ministerial complex and the Samuel Kanyon Doe Boulevard in Oldest Congo Town are in country but did not however state when works will begin.
Collins informed the conference that government is doing its part of the bargaining of the 39 kilometers road between Ganta to Saclepea in Nimba County while the balance 61 kilometers road from Saclepea to Tappita and then Zwedru will be done by the World Bank and other partners.
She stated that the bidding or tendering for the contract for Madina to Robertsport, Buchanan to Cestos and thereon to Greenville roads likewise the Bali Island are expected to be publicized by the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) any moment.
For executive mansion renovation project, Coker-Collins said it is on track as the progression of the work is ongoing and there is no turning back because this July is the time announced for its usage.