Africa-Press – Liberia. In recent days, pedestrians and motorists traveling along the Roberts International Highway have noticed a significant improvement in the speed at which construction work is being carried out by a Liberian construction company.Since winning the bid from the government of Liberia, the company has faced intense criticism from the public regarding the slow pace of road construction. Some have called on the government to review the company’s capacity to undertake the project. The 45KM ELWA–RIA project, initiated in 2020, has recently undergone a substantial transformation, with East International Group introducing additional equipment to expedite the road’s construction. Independent investigations by news outlets confirm that the company is pre-financing the project, contributing to the acceleration of the pavement process.
Sources reveal that the road construction has experienced occasional delays, partly due to financial considerations. However, East International’s current efforts reflect a concerted attempt to make significant progress in road infrastructure before the government transitions.Public Works Minister Ruth Cooker Collins initially told the Senate that the company lacked the capacity to implement the project on time. However, she retracted this statement a few weeks after touring the project site.
According to contractors, the company aims to complete 20% of the asphalt pavement of the road before the January 22, 2024 inauguration of President-Elect Joseph Nyumah-Boakai. They explained to reporters that the acceleration of the project is a result of the incoming administration’s focus on ensuring the road’s safety and usability for Liberia.
Contrary to reports suggesting that the road works are behind schedule, East International informed reporters that the work is ahead of the scheduled completion year, which is 2025. The company stated, “This project is pre-financed and is being carried out by a Liberian-owned construction company. We are committed to giving Liberia value for money. The initial slow pace was due to technical work, including building bridges, drainages, and sidewalks. The thickness of this road will be comparable to non-Liberian standards.”
East International Group Incorporated, a construction company contracted by the Liberian Government through the Ministry of Public Works, initiated the groundbreaking for the ELWA to Robert International Airport Road in February 2020. The accelerated progress represents a positive development in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to enhance its transportation network. The completed road pavement extends from ELWA Junction to Tinker’s Village, with damaged corvettes and technical areas being replaced. This endeavor aligns with President Weah’s administration’s commitment to advancing critical infrastructure projects as the country undergoes a period of governmental transition.
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