The Ministry of Public Works in Liberia, with the support of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has announced a major initiative to rehabilitate the critical 237-kilometer coastal road corridor linking Buchanan, Cestos Bridge, and Cestos Junction to Cestos City. The project aims to improve road connectivity and boost socio-economic activities in the region, starting with the initial phases of the Buchanan to Cestos Bridge (74 km) and Cestos City Junction to Cestos City (31 km) sections.
To ensure a smooth start, the Ministry has commenced an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) preparation exercise. This exercise is essential to address potential socio-economic impacts, including the resettlement of affected persons and properties within the designated Right-of-Way (RoW).
Key Details of the Preparation Exercise:
Date: January 7–16, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
Location: Along the Buchanan to Cestos Bridge and Cestos Junction to Cestos City road corridors.
Activities to Be Conducted: Environmental and Social Impact Assessments: Studying the potential environmental and social effects of the project.
Defining the Right-of-Way: Marking boundaries to guide construction activities.
Property Identification and Coding: Cataloging properties within the RoW.
Socio-economic Engagements: Consulting with Project-Affected Persons (PAPs).
Property Valuation/Appraisal: Establishing compensation mechanisms.
Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM): Addressing complaints and disputes.
Cut-off Date Announcement: Setting the timeline for eligible claims.
The Ministry has urged all individuals with properties along the RoW to be present at their locations during this period to facilitate the process. Compensation and assistance are planned to mitigate the impact on affected persons.
Call for Stakeholder Engagement
Deputy Minister for Administration, A. Samuka Dunbar, emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration to ensure the project’s success. “This exercise is crucial for safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of affected communities while paving the way for development,” he stated.
In a related development, ������’�� ���� ���������� �������������� ���������������� ���� ���������������� ���� ������������ ������ �������������������� ���������� �������� �������������� �������� �������������� ��e������������������ ��������
The Government of Liberia, with backing from the African Development Bank (AfDB), is set to launch the rehabilitation of the 237km coastal road connecting the cities of Buchanan, Cestos, and Greenville. This ambitious project aims to improve infrastructure and foster regional development along the coastal route.
As part of the preparation for this vital roadwork, the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) studies are now underway. These studies are required before construction can commence and will cover initial phases of the project, specifically the sections from Buchanan to Cestos Bridge (74km) and Cestos Junction to Cestos City (31km).
In an announcement made today, the Ministry of Public Works has called on property owners located within the Right-of-Way (RoW) along these two road corridors to participate in the upcoming RAP preparation exercise. The exercise will begin on January 7, 2025, and run until January 16, 2025, between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM each day. During this period, officials will conduct a series of activities, including property identification, socio-economic assessments, and property valuation, which are essential for providing compensation and assistance to affected property owners.
The exercise will cover areas from the centerline of the existing road, extending 75 feet to both sides in rural areas and 50 feet in urban areas. The RAP will ensure that all those impacted by the project, including those whose properties fall within the Right-of-Way, receive the necessary support and compensation.
Officials have stressed the importance of active participation from all affected individuals to ensure a smooth and transparent process. The team will also establish a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) to address any concerns raised by property owners during the exercise.
This road pavement project is expected to significantly enhance road safety, transportation efficiency, and economic opportunities for local communities along the coastal corridor.
