President Boakai Dedicates 81-Kilometer Gbarnga–Salayea Road, Breaks Ground for Salayea–Konia and Zorzor–Yeala Road ~ Says Roads are "Catalysts for National Development"~
President Boakai described the projects, supported by the Arab Coordination Group, including the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the OPEC Fund for International Development, and the Saudi Fund for Development, as catalysts for national transformation.
He said Liberia’s ongoing road investments are “building more than roads” by creating opportunities, connecting communities, and improving the lives of ordinary Liberians.
The road projects are expected to strengthen regional connectivity, facilitate trade, improve access to education, healthcare, and other essential services, and stimulate economic activity across Lofa County and neighboring regions.
The Government of Liberia has secured US$73.8 million in financing from the OPEC Fund for International Development, BADEA, and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to finance the upgrading of the 56-kilometer road corridor, comprising the 50-kilometer Salayea–Konia Road and the 6-kilometer Zorzor–Yeala Road.
Speaking during the dedication of the completed Gbarnga–Salayea Road and the signing ceremony for the financing agreements covering the Salayea–Konia and Zorzor–Yeala Road Project, President Boakai said the achievements reflect “genuine partnership, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to development” at a defining moment in Liberia’s journey of national renewal and transformation.
During the ceremonies, the Government also signed a financing commitment from the Saudi Fund for Development for the pavement of the remaining 64-kilometer Konia–Voinjama Road. In addition, the Government announced the approval of US$190 million in financing from the Saudi Fund for Development for the Botota–Gbarnga–Zorzor Transmission Line and Substation Project, which will connect four substations and provide electricity access to approximately 380,000 households across Bong and Lofa Counties.
The combined investments in road and energy infrastructure are expected to strengthen connectivity throughout Lofa County, improve access to neighboring Guinea, significantly expand electricity coverage, support industrial development, and improve the quality of life for thousands of residents in central and northern Liberia.
Construction of the newly approved road corridors is expected to commence during the upcoming dry season.
The projects are also expected to generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs while boosting agriculture, commerce, investment, and regional trade.
President Boakai emphasized that the roads are intended not only to connect communities but also to deepen regional integration and improve the living standards of Liberians.
“These roads are building more than roads; they are creating opportunities for farmers, traders, students, businesses, and families. They will connect communities, expand economic opportunity, strengthen regional integration, and improve the quality of life of our people,” President Boakai said.
The President commended the Arab Coordination Group and its financing institutions, including BADEA, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, and the Saudi Fund for Development, for their enduring partnership and confidence in Liberia.
He noted that their support extends beyond infrastructure financing to strengthening Liberia’s long-term development.
“This partnership is not only about constructing roads; it is about building lasting relationships founded on trust, shared purpose, and a common vision for Liberia’s development,” he stated.
He called on Liberians to safeguard the nation’s development gains and to support the Government’s efforts to build a more connected and prosperous country.
“We are laying the foundation for a more connected, more prosperous, and more inclusive Liberia,” the President concluded.
