By Sara Camara
MONROVIA, Liberia – Liberia’s Ministry of Public Works is set to launch a nationwide offensive on dilapidated road infrastructure, announcing October 15th as the official commencement date for all civil works. The ambitious plan, timed to leverage the upcoming dry season, aims to significantly improve road networks and fulfill President Joseph Boakai’s pledge that “No Car Will Get Stock in the Mud.”
The Ministry recently convened a crucial meeting with road contractors to outline its expectations and strategic vision for the dry season. Minister of Public Works, Roland Layfette Giddings, underscored the importance of this period for achieving substantial progress that will “change the narratives around road infrastructure” in Liberia.
Minister Giddings commenced the engagement by commending contractors for their “steadfast commitment” during President Boakai’s 100-Day Deliverables, which saw critical road rehabilitation works executed. He expressed deep gratitude, highlighting the contractors’ “measure of patriotism” in making previously impassable roads pliable for all seasons, even acknowledging the Ministry’s resource challenges.
“Today, we have called you here to formally acknowledge your enormous contributions to this country and want to admonish you to approach this dry season with even higher vigor, knowing that your responsibility is not only to Liberia, but to you as citizens,” Minister Giddings stated.
Deputy Minister for Technical Services, Prince D. Tambah, further detailed the scope of planned works, which include extensive road rehabilitation, routine maintenance, new construction, the installation of bailey bridges, and the building of reinforced concrete bridges. He issued a stern caution to contractors, instructing them to ensure all works are executed within strict timelines, emphasizing that “the Ministry is not positioned to consider excuses.”
Tambah urged contractors to ensure their equipment is fully prepared before the October 15th deadline and that all projects adhere to the Ministry’s minimum quality standards. Additionally, he stressed the critical importance of public safety, requiring contractors to install appropriate signages during the construction process.
In a move aimed at fostering smoother operations and timely project completion, Deputy Minister Tambah announced reforms in the Ministry’s payment process. “The Ministry has engaged and made necessary negotiations with concerning entities to expedite contractors’ payment process,” he concluded, addressing a long-standing challenge faced by contractors.
In response, the assembled road contractors expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s decisive leadership and committed to achieving the sector’s objectives. However, they also appealed for a re-evaluation of payment methods, specifically requesting that payments be made in the currency stipulated in their individual contracts. This, they argued, would mitigate the adverse effects of fluctuating exchange rates on their profit margins. Despite this appeal, the contractors assured the Ministry of their readiness to commence “massive works” on the stipulated date.
Minister Giddings concluded the meeting by reiterating the strategic significance of the dry season, emphasizing that “it is only during such period that actual works can be done.” He revealed that the rainy season was primarily utilized for meticulous planning, ensuring the “framework of the Octopus Strategy was well put into perspective and ready for full implementation during the dry season.” The Minister expressed high expectations, anticipating nothing less than “the best out of all its contractors” by the cessation of the dry season.
Also, in attendance were other key officials of the Ministry, including the Deputy Minister for Administration, Deputy Minister for Rural Development & Community Services, Assistant Minister for Planning & Research, Assistant Minister for Operations, Assistant Minister for Rural Development & Community Services, Assistant Minister for Construction, and Assistant Minister for Administration, underscoring the collective commitment to this critical national undertaking.
