By Vaye Abel Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia – Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah has clarified key elements of President Joseph Boakai’s recent national address, specifically addressing the government’s road infrastructure priorities and its claim of creating up to 70,000 jobs over a two-year period.
Minister Piah explained that the government’s road strategy focuses primarily on restoring and maintaining major national corridors, while also allocating funding for secondary and feeder roads. He stated that the administration has increased the proportion of paved roads from less than 12 percent to at least 20 percent and has rehabilitated more than 70 kilometers of major road corridors nationwide.
These improvements, according to Piah, have reduced transportation costs, improved market access, and eased economic pressures—particularly in rural and agricultural regions. He pointed to ongoing work on western and southeastern corridors as evidence of the government’s commitment to national connectivity.
The Minister also defended President Boakai’s assertion that government-led projects are expected to generate up to 70,000 jobs. He clarified that the figure encompasses both short-term and long-term employment across multiple sectors, including road construction, agriculture, small business support, energy distribution, public works, and community development programs.
Piah cited job creation through road rehabilitation projects, small and medium enterprise support schemes, electricity sector programs, and youth-focused community initiatives. When aggregated, he said, employment data from 2024 to 2025 shows tens of thousands of Liberians engaged through public and private sector interventions.
While acknowledging public criticism, Piah urged citizens to evaluate progress based on evidence rather than perception.
“Citizens should not just criticize, but criticism should come with evidence rather than perception,” he stated.
He maintained that despite ongoing challenges, tangible steps have been taken to strengthen infrastructure, stimulate job creation, and lay the groundwork for sustained economic growth.
“We welcome scrutiny, but we must also acknowledge progress where it exists,” Minister Piah said, reiterating the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.
