From Delay to Delivery: President Boakai Opens Gbarnga–Salayea Road, Launches New Projects in Lofa
Bartuah, Lofa County – July 28, 2026 — President Joseph Nyumah Boakai on Tuesday formally dedicated the newly completed Gbarnga–Salayea road, marking the end of a construction journey that spanned nearly a decade and tested the patience of communities across Bong and Lofa Counties. At a separate ceremony in Salayea, the President also broke ground on two new road projects — the Salayea–Konia corridor and the Zorzor–Yeala corridor — signaling the government’s determination to expand Liberia’s road network into the northern belt.
The dedication ceremony drew the Vice President, the Deputy Speaker and Members of the Legislature, representatives of international financing partners, officials of the Ministry of Public Works, and residents from surrounding towns and villages eager to witness the milestone.
The 81-kilometer road forms part of the larger Gbarnga–Voinjama–Mendikorma project, connecting Bong and Lofa Counties. Originally contracted to China Henan International Cooperation Group (CHICO) in December 2017, the project faced multiple suspensions and extensions, stretching its timeline from an initial 36 months to nearly 99 months — more than eight years.
Minister of Public Works Roland Layfette Giddings acknowledged the delays and pledged that lessons learned will guide the upcoming Salayea–Konia project to avoid similar setbacks.
The financial scope of the project also expanded. Initially valued at US$40.86 million, the contract grew to approximately US$51.98 million after variations and extensions. Consultancy services by SaudConsult and TSC Engineering rose to US$3.70 million, with the Ministry of Public Works Infrastructure Implementation Unit serving as the government’s implementing authority.
The project was financed through a multi-donor consortium comprising the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (13.34%), the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (24%), the OPEC Fund for International Development (31.02%), and the Saudi Fund for Development (31.64%), alongside counterpart funding from the Government of Liberia.
In his remarks, President Boakai emphasized the importance of protecting the investment:
“Infrastructure development is only sustainable when those it affects see the protection of it as a primary responsibility,” he said.
Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Nganfuan traced the project’s origins back to 2010, recalling how then Vice President Boakai handed over the original 1989 design to his delegation, urging them to secure financing. He expressed pride in leading the final delegation to Kuwait that revived donor support.
Minister Giddings highlighted the technical strength of the road’s construction, while the financing partners commended Liberia’s commitment to infrastructure and pledged continued support to connect communities with essential services.
The dedication of the Gbarnga–Salayea road and the groundbreaking of new corridors mark a significant step in Liberia’s broader infrastructure agenda, reinforcing the government’s pledge to deliver lasting development across the nation.
