Africa-Press – Liberia. The Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, has announced that the government’s nationwide roadwork initiative, known as “Operation Octopus,” has been temporarily halted due to persistent rainfall during the dry season.
“Operation Octopus,” according to Minister Piah, is a government initiative to address road projects across the country simultaneously. This means that while work is ongoing in Montserrado, similar activities will also be underway in Maryland County and other parts of Liberia.
The minister explained that the project was expected to begin immediately during the dry season; however, unexpected heavy rainfall has stalled it.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at MICAT’s regular press briefing, Minister Piah noted that despite being days away from December, the country continues to experience significant rainfall. He said this unusual weather pattern has slowed down teams from the Ministry of Public Works responsible for carrying out the operation.
Despite the delay, Minister Piah stated that Public Works engineers have already toured key locations and begun preliminary road rehabilitation efforts.
He added that once the project resumes fully, all roads facing challenges from central Monrovia through Caldwell, Paynesville, SKD Boulevard, and other affected communities will be addressed.
“All preliminary work on roads that have developed problems will be tackled simultaneously,” Minister Piah assured.
He further noted that, in addition to emergency interventions, all major road construction projects previously announced will proceed once the rains cease. He emphasized that critical road sections in the heart of the city damaged during the rainy season will be repaired before the dry season begins.
The minister recalled a time when major roads were so impassable that travelers could become stranded for nearly two weeks. He claimed that under the current administration, major routes leading to interior counties have become more accessible.
At the same time, Minister Piah criticized some journalists at the Legislature, whom he accused of abandoning their duties to highlight bad road conditions instead. He argued that many of the roads they showcase are naturally dusty roads that become muddy during rain.
“The real question is whether cars are getting stuck in those areas,” he said. “Many of the places being shown are known critical spots already earmarked by Public Works. Even kehkehs have been moving through some of those areas.”
Minister Piah maintained that although challenges remain, the government continues to make significant progress, despite claims from some individuals that the country has not advanced.
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