An Open Letter to His Excellency Joseph Nyumah Boakai Sr.
President of the Republic of Liberia
Subject: Urgent Need for Road Development in Liberia’s Mining Regions
Your Excellency,
Warm greetings to you and your esteemed administration.
First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on the strides made
under your leadership in the area of infrastructure development. The achievements
so far are a testament to your commitment to building a better Liberia. This
progress aligns with your vision to reshape Liberia’s road network by 2029, an
initiative that has reignited hope among the citizenry.
While we applaud the significant advancements in road development, we wish to
draw your attention to an area of critical concern: the deplorable conditions of
roads in Liberia’s mining regions, particularly the Sanniquellie to Yekepa corridor
via Takodeh Rompad. This stretch of road, vital to the nation’s mining industry and
the livelihoods of surrounding communities, demands urgent intervention.
Achievements in Infrastructure Development
Under your administration, Liberia has witnessed the continuation and expansion of
road paving projects, particularly in urban and rural areas. Prioritizing economic
hubs and creating a long-term roadmap for sustainable road networks are
commendable steps toward achieving your 2029 vision.
These accomplishments build on the infrastructure legacy of your predecessor,
former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, whose administration transformed the
Monrovia-Ganta-Sanniquellie highway into a modern and reliable road network.
However, critical gaps remain, particularly in economically vital areas like Nimba
County, where mining activities are central to Liberia’s economic growth.
The Sanniquellie to Yekepa Corridor: A Strategic Priority
Economic Importance
The Sanniquellie-Yekepa road is a lifeline for Liberia’s mining sector, hosting
operations by ArcelorMittal Liberia and serving as a critical artery for transporting
iron ore and other goods. This region generates substantial revenue for the national
economy, making the condition of its roads a matter of national importance.
Current Challenges
Deplorable Road Conditions: The existing road network is almost impassable,
hindering the transportation of goods and services.
Impact on Communities: Local residents suffer from limited access to healthcare,
education, and other essential services. The high cost of transportation further
exacerbates poverty in these areas.
Economic Losses: Poor road infrastructure reduces the efficiency of mining
operations and hampers Liberia’s ability to attract and retain foreign investment.
The Role of Arcelor Mittal Liberia
As one of Liberia’s leading investors, Arcelor Mittal Liberia has a pivotal role to play
in addressing infrastructure challenges within its concession areas. As part of their
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), they are expected to:
Rehabilitate and maintain roads connecting key mining zones such as Sanniquellie,
Yekepa, and Takodeh.
Ensure sustainability in road construction, making them resilient to Liberia’s
challenging climate conditions.
Collaborate with local authorities and communities to address pressing
infrastructure needs.
We urge your administration to hold Arcelor Mittal accountable to these obligations,
ensuring their contributions align with Liberia’s broader development goals.
Strategic Role of the Central Government
Your Excellency, your extensive experience as Vice President during Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf’s administration equips you uniquely to address these pressing challenges.
We recommend the following strategic actions:
- Policy Enforcement: Strengthen and enforce agreements requiring
concessionaires to invest in road infrastructure within their operational zones. - Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encourage partnerships with international
investors and development agencies to co-finance road development projects in
concession areas. - Government Investment: Allocate national resources for the rehabilitation of
critical road networks, particularly in Nimba County. - Engagement with Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: Seek counsel from former President
Sirleaf, leveraging her expertise in infrastructure development to address current
challenges effectively.
Drawing Lessons from Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s Legacy
Former President Sirleaf prioritized infrastructure development as a cornerstone of
Liberia’s recovery, with significant successes such as the Monrovia-GantaSanniquellie highway. Her approach to building durable and sustainable
infrastructure remains a model that your administration can emulate and expand
upon.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The deplorable state of roads in Liberia’s mining regions requires immediate
attention to unlock the full economic potential of these areas and improve the lives
of Liberians. To this end, we respectfully recommend the following:
Hold concessionaires accountable for fulfilling their social and corporate
responsibilities.
Leverage international partnerships to secure funding and technical expertise for
road rehabilitation projects.
Prioritize critical road networks like the Sanniquellie-Yekepa corridor as part of
your 2029 vision.
Your Excellency, addressing these challenges will cement your legacy as a
transformative leader who not only built on the achievements of the past but also
elevated Liberia to new heights of progress and prosperity.
We remain confident in your commitment to a better Liberia and are hopeful that
your administration will take swift action to address these pressing infrastructure
challenges.
With the highest respect and anticipation for continued progress,
Supremo Don Hamilton
Supremo Don Hamilton /CEO MADDEI FOREX
Concerned Citizens of Liberi
