SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba – In continuing support of Liberia’s post-war reconstruction, the United States Aid for International Development has reaffirmed commitments to working in pursuit of Liberia’s recovery initiatives.
Between 2012 and 2014, USAID funded several development projects including the rehabilitation of several feeder roads in Lofa, Bong, and Nimba. USAID has committed to funding another 450 kilometers of farm-to-market roads in Bong, Lofa, Nimba, and Grand Bassa for 2015. Out of the 450-kilometer road allotment earmarked for the entire project, 110 kilometers has so far being allotted for Nimba, costing US$2.1 million.
Photo Credit: Arrington Ballah
At the completion of the 110-kilometer road project, it is expected to link Gogean to Zuolay, Dounpa to Zuaplay, and Guanpa to Gawonpa. The project is concentrated in Saclepea-Mahn and Tappita Districts.
Lahaison Waritay, the resident engineer of Nimba, gave the overview of the project at a launching ceremony held recently in Gogean, Gbai Chiefdom.
“We are here today to launch the second part of the road project,” Waritay said. “It is our responsibilities now as citizens to give all our support to this process in making sure that our roads are done and completed.”
The first part of the project was completed in 2014, linking Bahn to Payee, Zolapa and Causine respectively. This portion constituted 28 kilometers of the 450 kilometers earmarked for the entire project. The recently launched construction is 21 kilometers, stretching from Gogean to Zuolay. It is expected to be completed in 30 days.
Also speaking at the launching ceremony was David Wounuah, technical supervisor for USAID. Wounuah said the project is a component of US President Barrack Obama’s “Feed the Future” initiative. He noted that the program is largely centered on agriculture, with food security its main focus.
Photo Credit: Arrington Ballah
“Although [Feed the Future] is an agriculture program, it also has infrastructural development projects embedded into it that has to do with the rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads,” Wounuah said. “This is why we are engaged with these major farm-to-market road rehabilitations in areas that are highly sensitive to agriculture productivities within the county.”
Wounuah added that the project, called Engineering Services for Rural Road Rehabilitation, is managed by Cardno, an organization based in Australia.
“Under the [Engineering Services for Rural Road Rehabilitation] project, we are also responsible to provide technical assistance and collaborate with institutions, organizations, county engineers and the Government of Liberia on projects we are involved with around the country,†Wonnuwan said.
After this construction is complete, it will be followed by building roads between Dounpa to Zuaplay, and Guanpa to Gawonpa.
Featured image courtesy of Arrington Ballah
