‎BONG COUNTY, LIBERIA – JULY 5, 2025: ‎The Ministry of Public Works (MPW), under the Liberian–Swedish Access Driven Rural Development Project (LISA), marked the successful completion of a two‑week training program on Village Access Roads (VARs). The certification ceremony took place on 5th July 2025 at the Cuttington University campus in Gbarnga, Bong County.

‎Funded by the Swedish Government through SIDA, LISA focuses on upgrading footpaths into motorbike-accessible Village Access Roads (VARs), also referred to as “track roads.” These upgrades are aimed at connecting remote Rural communities in Bong, Lofa, and Nimba Counties to crucial markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and other services. The initiative supports improved transportation of goods, better access to education and healthcare, and enhanced livelihoods for farming families  .

‎HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM 

‎The training, conducted from June 24 to July 5, 2025, equipped local participants with essential skills in the planning, construction, and upkeep of VARs pivotal to sustainable rural transport networks.

‎The ceremony at Cuttington University celebrated the achievements of the trainees, who have been prepared to lead efforts in connecting villages through improved road access.

‎Making remarks at the certification ceremony, LISA Project Director Mr. Elvis S. V. Mansahn described the occasion as a significant step forward in the project’s mission to improve rural connectivity and empower local communities.

‎“This ceremony marks another significant milestone for the LISA Project, having successfully completed a two-week training focused on the construction of village access roads.” The knowledge and skills acquired by these trainees will contribute greatly to the sustainability of rural road infrastructure and enhance access to markets, schools, and health facilities for thousands of residents, Mr. Mansahn stated.”  He commended the trainees for their dedication throughout the program and urged them to apply their new skills in ways that will positively impact their communities. He also thanked the project’s partners, including the Ministry of Public Works and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), for their continuous support.‎

‎Also speaking at the certification ceremony, Public Works’ Assistant Minister for Rural Development, Isaac Vaye, Jr., lauded both the trainees and the project team for their dedication and hard work. The Assistant Minister described the LISA project as being at the heart of the Ministry’s rural development efforts, noting its crucial role in connecting isolated communities to markets and services.

‎Mr. Vaye expressed particular appreciation to the participants for their commitment throughout the training, and to the LISA project team for their professionalism in organizing and delivering the program. He offered special thanks to Mr. Adem Andreski, former Project Team Leader, highlighting the longstanding and fruitful relationship between the Ministry and the LISA initiative. He also underscored the significance of the Design Manual developed for the project, describing it as an essential tool that will guide future construction of village access roads. He used the occasion to extend gratitude to the Government of Sweden, through its development agency SIDA, for funding the project. While expressing his wish that a representative of the Swedish Government had been present at the event, he emphasized Liberia’s appreciation and encouraged continued and expanded support for rural infrastructure development.‎

‎In closing, Assistant Minister Vaye urged the trainees to apply the skills they have acquired, stating that their practical contributions will play a vital role in improving rural connectivity and enhancing livelihoods in their communities.