By Vaye A. Lepolu
MONROVIA, Liberia— Serious questions are emerging over the utilization of more than US$10.1 million reportedly disbursed for city streets and community road pavement projects across Liberia’s 15 counties, as the actual construction works remain unimplemented, according to expenditure data contained in the draft FY2027 National Budget.
The disbursements, recorded as of September 30, 2026, have raised concerns about public financial accountability, project execution, and the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure in county capitals and communities.
An analysis of the Ministry of Public Works’ Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) expenditure data indicates a substantial disconnect between the release of public funds and the physical implementation of the projects.
The development has prompted growing concerns over how millions of dollars allocated for road construction have been utilized, particularly as residents continue to face difficult road conditions in several parts of the country.
According to the expenditure figures, several city street pavement projects received significant financial releases from the Ministry of Finance.
Kakata City Streets in Margibi County reportedly received its full allocation of US$950,000, while Ganta Streets in Nimba County received US$300,000 in full.
Gbarnga City Pavement in Bong County received US$1.19 million out of its US$1.7 million allocation.
Buchanan City Streets in Grand Bassa County received US$1,616,160 out of US$2.5 million, while Barclayville City Pavement in Grand Kru County received US$1,389,811 out of its US$2 million allocation.
Bopolu City Streets in Gbarpolu County also received US$1.3 million out of its US$2 million budgeted amount.
Despite these financial releases, the reported absence of pavement works has raised questions about whether the projects have entered the implementation phase and what measures are being taken to ensure that public funds translate into tangible infrastructure.
While several projects received substantial funding, others reportedly recorded zero disbursements as of September 30, 2026.
Greenville City Streets in Sinoe County, allocated US$1 million, and Cestos City Streets in Rivercess County, allocated US$750,000, reportedly received no funding.
The street projects in Sanniquellie, Yekepa, Tappita, and Garplay in Nimba County, with a combined allocation of US$1.2 million, also recorded zero disbursements.
Other projects without reported releases include Bible Way Community Road, allocated US$350,000; Gibi Road Corridor in Margibi County, allocated US$500,000; and Sokopa–Meinpea Mahn Corridor in Nimba County, allocated US$150,000.
The Street Solar Lights project, with an allocation of US$100,000, similarly recorded no disbursement.
The uneven distribution of disbursements has raised concerns over the prioritization of infrastructure projects and whether the government has established clear implementation schedules for the various county road initiatives.
The reported gap between financial disbursements and physical implementation has intensified calls for greater transparency in the management of public infrastructure funds.
The central concern is whether the disbursed amounts have been used strictly for their intended purposes or remain with contractors, implementing agencies, or other entities responsible for the projects.
The situation also raises questions about the procurement processes, contract awards, monitoring mechanisms, and implementation timelines associated with the road pavement initiatives.
With millions of dollars reportedly released, residents across the affected counties are increasingly concerned about when they will begin to see actual construction activities.
