Africa-Press – Liberia. The Cabinet of Liberia, under the chairmanship of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., has moved to tighten control over national infrastructure development, with a renewed focus on regulating construction activities and addressing the growing challenge of unplanned urban expansion across the country.
The decision followed a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Executive Mansion, where the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) presented key outcomes from the 2026 National Infrastructure Conference and outlined urgent concerns affecting orderly development in Liberia’s urban and peri-urban areas.
According to the Cabinet communiqué, the presentation underscored persistent infrastructure challenges, including traffic congestion, zoning violations, construction in alleyways, and the proliferation of unplanned commercial structures, which continue to hinder structured development and slow national modernization efforts.
The Ministry of Public Works stressed the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to guide construction activities, presenting for Cabinet consideration a set of proposed regulations aimed at strengthening enforcement mechanisms, improving zoning compliance, and establishing clear standards for safe and planned construction nationwide.
In addition, the Ministry presented an Infrastructure Policy Roadmap (2026–2029), which outlines phased strategic actions intended to improve infrastructure governance, enhance planning systems, and support long-term national development priorities.
Following extensive deliberations, Cabinet agreed to further review several key proposals before final endorsement. These include the possible adoption of the National Infrastructure Conference 2026 Report and Infrastructure Policy Roadmap (2026–2029) as the national framework for infrastructure development and modernization.
Cabinet is also expected to review and potentially endorse the Ministry of Public Works Compendium of Regulations, which is designed to strengthen governance structures, enforce construction standards, and improve compliance across the sector.
Other proposals under consideration include institutional reforms that would restructure and potentially create new agencies responsible for planning, roads, infrastructure development, water systems, and environmental management.
The Cabinet further reviewed the proposed Greater Monrovia Urban Redevelopment Program (GMURP), which has been identified as a flagship initiative aimed at addressing long-standing urban planning and development challenges in the capital and surrounding areas.
Financing strategies for the proposed reforms were also discussed, including engagement with development partners and the expansion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to support implementation of infrastructure projects.
Cabinet also considered the institutionalization of the National Infrastructure Conference as a triennial event, intended to provide consistent national guidance on infrastructure planning and policy direction.
In a related development, President Boakai expressed concern over the rapid increase in building materials stores across urban areas, describing the trend as a visible indicator of unregulated construction activity.
According to the communiqué, the President warned that this trend is contributing to urban congestion, obstruction of major roadways, and visual disorder, particularly in Monrovia and surrounding communities, and has therefore instructed the Ministry of Public Works to take swift corrective action.
Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Liberia’s infrastructure sector, describing it as a critical driver of economic growth, improved service delivery, and national development.
The communiqué emphasized that the ongoing deliberations align with President Boakai’s broader vision of rebuilding and rebranding Liberia through intentional planning and disciplined development practices.
“These deliberations mark a significant policy rethink and a step toward bold actions to transform our infrastructure landscape,” the Cabinet noted.
The statement was issued by the Cabinet Office and signed by Nathaniel T. Kwabo, Director General of the Cabinet Office.
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