UNIFICATION CITY, Margibi – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Monday, November 21 broke ground for the construction of a US$50 million passenger terminal at Roberts International Airport.

The project is being financed by a loan from China Exim Bank and construction will be undertaken by the China Harbour Engineering Company.

Sirleaf said the construction of the terminal building will transform the facility into a modern airport.

Dancers perform a traditional Chinese dance at the occasion. Photo: Zeze Ballah

“Improving the airport will be a milestone in Liberia’s social and economic development,” she said, adding that modernizing the airport will further promote economic growth and development for all Liberians.

Sirleaf explained that the delay in improving the airport was a result of competing interests. “RIA had to be put aside for some other emergency priorities in the interest of the country,” she added. “We feel ashamed especially when we have strangers visiting Liberia, but I’m so glad that finally, we can have an airport that will meet international standards.”

Rendering of proposed airport. Source: Liberia Airports Authority

Sirleaf commended implementing partners for their dedication and commitment to the project, especially the People’s Republic of China, through the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Zhang Yue.

Zhang said the new terminal will cover an area of more than 5,000 square meters, pointing out that the new facility was “designed for an average annual passenger for approximately 320,000 persons.”

“This is the first time China has offered a concessional loan to the Liberia,” he added.

Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Zhang Yue. Photo: Zeze Ballah

Along with the construction of the passenger terminal, a US$30 million rehabilitation of a runway is also underway, having begun in September. That project is funded through loans and other types of financing from the Saudi Fund, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, and the Liberian government.

The rehabilitation of the runway would see excavation and asphalt pavement of sections of the runway in addition to a rehabilitation of the Aeronautical Ground Lighting system and other work to bring the runway to international standards. In a press release, the Liberia Airport Authority said the last time such work was completed was in 1978.

While the runway rehabilitation is expected to be completed in July 2017, the passenger terminal is not expected to be finished until after Sirleaf’s term in office.

Roberts International Airport was built during World War II by the United States to serve as a base for its military operations. It was then administered after the war by Pan American/World Airways until 1985 when the Liberian government assumed responsibility for operating the airport.

Featured photo by Zeze Ballah