Ministry of Public Works and African Development Bank Conduct Technical Launch of the Mano River Union Road Development and Transport Facilitation Programme Phase IV

Monrovia, Liberia, April 28, 2026 – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Public Works, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, today held the Technical Launch of the Mano River Union Road Development and Transport Facilitation Programme Phase IV at the AfDB Liberia Country Office in Monrovia.

The Programme, valued at approximately US$60 million, will support the paving of the John Davies Town to Zwedru City Road, a critical 48.5-kilometer section of Liberia’s southeastern corridor. The investment is supported by the African Development Bank, the OPEC Fund, and the Government of Liberia.

The launch brought together officials of the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the African Development Bank, the Project Implementation Unit, and other key stakeholders to review the project scope, implementation arrangements, safeguards requirements, reporting obligations, and expected development outcomes.

Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Minister for Rural Development, Hon. Jocelia Taplah representing Public Works Minister Hon. Roland Lafayette Giddings, emphasized that road connectivity remains central to the Government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly in opening up the southeast, reducing travel time, improving access to markets and basic services, and strengthening regional trade.

The African Development Bank Liberia Country Manager described the Programme as a strategic investment beyond road construction, stating: “Through this operation, we are not simply financing a road. We are supporting a corridor of opportunity.” He noted that the project will improve connectivity between John Davies Town and Zwedru, support climate-resilient road infrastructure, facilitate trade, strengthen institutional capacity, and improve living conditions for communities along the corridor.

Pre-implementation activities are already advanced, including key start-up, safeguards, and institutional arrangements. The procurement process for the works contractor is expected to commence soon, paving the way for the next phase of implementation.

When completed, the Programme is expected to improve road service levels, enhance access to markets and social services, support trade movement, create job opportunities, and strengthen Liberia’s connectivity within the Mano River Union sub-region.

The Ministry of Public Works assures the public and corridor communities of its continued commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure the timely, transparent, and quality implementation of this important national and regional infrastructure project.