By: Sampat JMB Kpakimah
MONROVIA – The Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs at the Ministry of Information, Daniel Sando, has announced that the Government of Liberia is taking significant steps to improve road connectivity nationwide through new investments and agreements aimed at strengthening infrastructure and spurring economic activity.
Speaking at the Ministry’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Minister Sando revealed that the Ministry of Public Works has signed an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with East International Group Liberia Limited for the rehabilitation and construction of approximately 50 kilometers of road in Grand Gedeh County.
The project will upgrade key corridors—including the Zwedru corridor and surrounding routes—to a two-lane flexible pavement standard, improving access for communities and businesses in the southeastern region. These roads are critical for trade and transportation and form part of the government’s broader national infrastructure strategy.
In addition, the Government of Liberia secured supplementary financing from the World Bank during the recent Spring Meetings to support the paving of a major highway corridor connecting Grand Bassa County to Nimba County. Once completed, the highway is expected to significantly reduce travel time and facilitate commerce between the two regions.
Sando added that technical discussions are currently underway at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning with World Bank representatives to finalize implementation modalities for the project. He stressed that improving road infrastructure remains a top government priority, as better roads will enhance trade, improve access to essential services, and drive national development.
Minister Sando also highlighted recent gains by the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), including major initiatives aimed at expanding electricity access and improving service delivery across the country.
He disclosed that on April 29, 2026, LEC is expected to launch a major electrification project in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County. The initiative will include the installation of streetlights and electricity connections for key public and private institutions, such as schools, hospitals, businesses, and surrounding communities. The project, implemented in collaboration with local authorities, is expected to significantly improve public safety and boost economic activity in the area.
In related developments, Sando noted that LEC is rolling out a smart metering system in Paynesville as part of a pilot program to modernize electricity distribution. The project includes customer mapping surveys and community engagement activities to educate residents on the system’s benefits. Key features of the smart meters include real-time monitoring, improved billing accuracy, remote connection and disconnection capabilities, and enhanced transparency in electricity usage.
Furthermore, Liberia’s first utility-scale solar farm is currently undergoing testing and commissioning. The facility is expected to generate between two and five megawatts of electricity, which will be supplied to the national grid. Sando described the solar project as a major milestone in Liberia’s transition toward renewable energy, helping to reduce dependence on traditional power sources.
