SIDA MISSION INSPECTS ROAD WORK
Says No Need for Foreign Contractors
Written By Paul M. Kanneh
The Swedish International Development Agency’s Annual Review Mission on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 inspected rehabilitation work of 86.3 kilometer of farm to market road in Nimba County.
It can be recalled that in 2009, SIDA as part of its contribution to the government of Liberia’s poverty reduction strategy embarked on the funding for the rehabilitation/construction of over 500 kilometer of feeder roads in Bong, Lofa and Nimba Counties.
Some of the completed farm to market road include, Totota-Piata road, Gboyear-Kankanolata, Gwainyear-Cow Farm areas, Makpoh Hill, Gbansue-Suloma roads, Phebe-Gbonota stretch and Salayea-Zolowo/Markesu roads in Bong County.
Others are Voinjama-Kerbemai road, Dorbor-Bazagizia road, 60.5 KM Voinjama-Jallamai road; 28.7KM Makesu-Fassawalazu/Salayea-Tinsue road, the 18 km Borkeza-Kpassagizia road, Voinjama-Barkedu road, Voinjama-Bolongolidu road and Lawalazu-Vezela road all in Lofa Counties.
In 2012, the LSFRP extended its activities in Nimb County targeting the following roads, Yarsonnah-Payee Road, Nengbein-Yelekoryee connecting Tindink Menyan, Suakarzue-Yargoupa connecting Flown Road, Zorgowee-Dulay Road, Zuluyee-Yehbo Road and Sanniquillie towards Varnyapa Road.
The farm to market road program is being implemented under the Liberia Swedish Feeder Road Project (LSFRP) with offices at the Ministry of Public Works.
Each year, the SIDA Mission visits Liberia to ascertain the level of progress being made in the implementation of the road projects.
On February 17, 2016, the Mission headed by Deputy Public Works Minister for Rural Development, Jackson J. Paye inspected progress on the 86 kilometer road linking Graie to Behwalay border.
The cost of the project is put at US$1,909,786.00 and is expected to be completed by June of this year. Four local contractors including SSF Entrepreneur, Chen-Liberia Enterprise, Solid Rock Investment and Pacific Construction Company are implementing the project.
During the inspection exercise, the Counselor/Program Officer at the Swedish Embassy near Monrovia, Madam Eva Ohlsson praised the performance of Liberian Contractors, stressing that there is no need for foreign contractors on farm to market roads.
Briefly commenting on transfer of knowledge, Madam Ohlsson said seven local contractors have been trained by the project. According to her, these contractors are now performing very well, adding that they can deliver good quality on time.
“Liberian contractors are doing very well. We don’t need foreign contractors on these roads. They can deliver good quality on time,” said Madam Eva Ohlsson.
