MONROVIA — The Liberian Senate has ordered an investigation into the ongoing Roberts International Airport (RIA) Highway Expansion Project and has summoned key government officials and the principal contractor to appear before the body.
The decision follows a communication from Lofa County Senator Momo Tarnuekollie Cyrus, who requested that the Senate invite East International Group, the project’s main contractor, to provide a detailed status update on the multi-million-dollar road construction effort.
During deliberations, Senate Plenary referred the matter to its Committees on Public Works and Ways, Means and Finance, mandating them to conduct a review and report back within two weeks.
As part of the investigation, the committees have summoned the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and East International Group to present information on the project’s implementation, financing, and current progress.
The Senate’s action comes amid growing public concern over delays and safety conditions along sections of the highway under construction. The US$116 million project broke ground in February 2020 under former President George Manneh Weah and aims to transform nearly 45 kilometers of roadway from ELWA Junction to Roberts International Airport into a modern four-lane highway.
The project originally targeted completion around 2024, but reports of implementation setbacks and revised timelines have raised concerns.
In his communication to Senate leadership, Senator Cyrus stressed the highway’s national importance as Liberia’s primary international gateway.
“The Roberts International Airport Highway is not merely an ordinary roadway,” Senator Cyrus stated. “It serves as Liberia’s principal international gateway and remains the first physical impression encountered by investors, diplomats, development partners, tourists and other international visitors entering our country.”
He also pointed to mounting complaints from citizens and commuters over traffic congestion, dust pollution, drainage challenges, limited nighttime visibility, and accident risks along unfinished sections of the road corridor. The committees will submit their findings and recommendations to Plenary within two weeks.
