IPNEWS: The Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, on Monday, January 6, 2026, conducted a brief but strategic inspection tour of ongoing pavement works along the Gbarnga–Salayea leg of the Gbarnga–Mendikorma Road Project, a critical component of the Lofa Road corridor.
The road project, which is being executed by the contractor China Henan International Cooperation Group (CHICO), had experienced prolonged delays and remained dormant since 2023. However, following the contractor’s full remobilization in October 2025, construction activities have resumed with renewed momentum.
During the inspection, Minister Ngafuan visited several key locations, including the rock crusher site at Gbarlatuah in Bong County and active asphalt paving sections that have now advanced beyond Gorlu Town in Lofa County, reaching approximately 13 kilometers toward Salayea.
Project engineers briefed the Minister on the current status of the works, confirming that asphalt pavement is progressing steadily and is expected to reach Salayea before March 2026. They further disclosed that financing has already been mobilized to extend pavement works beyond Salayea to Konia.
Engineers also reported that about 300 workers are presently engaged on the project, a reduction from a previous workforce of nearly 1,000. However, they indicated that additional laborers will be recruited as construction activities intensify along the corridor.
Minister Ngafuan used the occasion to interact with engineers and local day laborers, commending them for their dedication and meaningful contribution to national development. He reassured workers and stakeholders of the Government of Liberia’s unwavering commitment to completing the project, emphasizing that financing for the road has been secured.
He expressed optimism that favorable weather conditions would allow construction to proceed without further setbacks and reaffirmed government’s resolve to ensure timely delivery of the project.
The Finance Minister also praised the Minister of Public Works, Hon. Roland L. Giddings, and his team for their effective follow-up and oversight, noting that quality assurance remains a top priority in the execution of the works.
Providing historical context, Minister Ngafuan recalled that during his first tenure as Finance Minister in 2011, an initial US$2 million was secured to finance the feasibility study for the Gbarnga–Mendikorma Highway. He noted that the project was later advanced under the leadership of then President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
According to him, while initial financing support came from Kuwaiti partners, full funding required the involvement of additional Arab development institutions. This eventually led to the mobilization of resources from the Arab Consortium, including the Saudi Fund for Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and the OPEC Fund for International Development.
He further acknowledged the efforts of former Finance Ministers Amara Konneh and Boima Kamara, who continued the financing process and successfully secured funds for the first phase of the project, covering the Gbarnga–Salayea section.
Minister Ngafuan welcomed CHICO’s remobilization and expressed confidence that the renewed pace of work would result in visible and sustained progress in the months ahead.
The Lofa Road Project remains a critical national infrastructure priority, aimed at improving connectivity, boosting trade, and expanding access to essential social services across Lofa County and neighboring regions.
The inspection of the Gbarnga–Salayea pavement works marked the first stop of Minister Ngafuan’s official visit to Lofa County. He is also expected to tour major educational and health institutions in the county that are beneficiaries of government subsidies. By: Andrew B Weah, 0770637218/0886429103
