By Bill W. Cooper
Grand Kru County Senator, Albert Chea has pleaded with his colleagues to invite Public Works Minister, Roland Giddings to appear before the Senate Committee “of a whole”, to provide an update on the construction of the Freeport to St. Paul Bridge and other roads projects.
This request, however, comes amidst the country’s deplorable roads condition, which is now becoming a major concern for citizens and lawmakers alike despite President Joseph Boakai promise of ensuring that no car will get stuck in the mud in Liberia.
The Freeport to St. Paul Bridge Road is a crucial infrastructure project that will connect the bustling Freeport area to the St. Paul Bridge economic hub, providing a much-needed link between the Monrovia and the surrounding areas especially Bomi County.
The country’s road network has been in a state of disrepair for years, with potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces making travel difficult, slow and dangerous for motorists and commuters.
The deplorable road condition around the country also affects the nation’s economic growth.
President Boakai, during his State of Nation Address (SONA) in January of this year, disclosed that his government will ensure the construction of Freeport to St. Paul Bridge Road corridor, with the aim of easing traffic congestion and to improve transportation efficiency.
Also, the President, as part of his campaign promises, also vowed to ensure that under his administration not a single car will get stuck in the mud, especially in the southeastern region during the rainy season.
But contrary to this promise, several road users plying the Southeastern corridor including the Grand Bassa to Sinoe and River Cess roads have all complained about the terrible condition of said corridors.
Despite the Ministry of Public Works, rehabilitation of some of those major roads, making them passable under the government’s 100 days deliverables, these roads have since got damaged due to the heavy rains.
However, many of the motorists including pedestrians, commercial and private drivers have all complained about the bad condition of the roads as is now taking them days to commute from one county to another.
Sen. Chea, during yesterday’s sitting expressed his frustration with the slow progress of the project, something he said the MPW Minister should be called before the Senators to provide a detailed explanation.
According to him, it is prudent that the Minister provide a comprehensive update on the status of the roads rehabilitation process and outline a clear plan for addressing the country’s infrastructure challenges.
Chea at the same time has called on his colleagues to endorse his request for the Minister to appear before the “Senate committee of a whole” and provide the necessary information concerning road works across Liberia.
He added, “By holding the government accountable and demanding transparency and accountability, we can ensure that Liberia’s roads are improved and maintained for the benefit of all citizens.”
Meanwhile, following the Justification of his request before the Senate, the presiding and President of the Senate, Vice President Jeremiah Koung instructed the Senate Secretary to then act accordingly.