MONROVIA – The governments of Liberia and Japan have signed a grant agreement for the project extension of the Japan Freeway Road Corridor.
By Willie N. Tokpah/0777039231
The signing will provide a detailed design of the project extension which covers the rehabilitation of a 1.9 km section from the West end of the Japan Freeway to the north intersection of Gabriel Tucker Bridge.
The project is crucial for logistics in Liberia since it connects the downtown and the Freeport of Monrovia. Also at the Freeport Junction, the road further links up Japan Freeway which leads to the suburbs of Monrovia as the eastern part of Liberia.
During his inaugural address in January, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai mentioned that expanding and improving the road network is one of the top priorities for Liberia.
The preparation survey of the project was conducted by Japanese Consultants from October 2022 to October 2023
At the signing ceremony Tuesday, March 5, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia, Ms. Momoko SUZUKI, Country Representative for JICA Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone noted that JICA has been at the forefront of supporting Infrastructure projects in Liberia, namely, road and electricity.
The reconstruction of Somalia Drive, now Japan Freeway, according to SUZUKI, which was carried out from 2012 to 2021 was a remarkable outcome.
She expressed delight that several individuals have benefited from improved traffic flow since the completion of the project.
SUZUKI further hailed Liberia, particularly, the Ministry of Public Works for its unwavering cooperation towards the survey.
During the signing ceremony, Japan AmAmbassadoro Liberia, H. E. Hisanobu Mochizuki informed the gathering, that Japan the importance of the project to Liberia, and as such the Japanese Parliament is exerting efforts to complete the final processes, to begin the project.
Ambassador Mochizuki noted that the signing ceremony detailed design of the project was vital so that both JICA and the Project Consultant could have all the information needed to assist the Parliament in completing its internal procedure.
He said Japan understands the importance of establishing the tiniest infrastructure foundation and the time it may take to promote and stimulate the economy.
Therefore, Mochizukisaidd infrastructure development is a major theme at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development(TICAD).
Similarly, Mochizuki sees infrastructure as one of the key pillars of Japanese-Liberia Cooperation.
“We began construction on Phase 1 and 2 of the former Somali Drive, which has now been renamed the Japan Freeway, in 2013 and 2016, respectively,” Ambassador Mochizuki elucidated.
“These two phases were successfully finished, thanks to the cooperation of both sides, particularly JICA and Liberia Ministry of Public Works. Today we are formalizing another procedure that will build upon the Japan Freeway’s high-quality Phase 1 and 2.”
He further recognizes the dedication of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which has been a key conduit for the Japanese government’s strategic and all-encompassing approach to supporting Liberia’s infrastructure development.
Ambassador Mochizuki expressed confidence that the government, through the Ministry of Public Works, will provide strong leadership and cooperation to effectively coordinate all relevant stakeholders, so that the process can be completed, hence committing JICA and Japanese Consultants to provide all necessary assistance to facilitate the process.
Mochizuki then recognized the bilateral cooperation between Japan and Liberia, which he said has witnessed key technical support and infrastructure development over the years, promising more technical support from his government.
Signing on behalf of the Liberian Government, Foreign Affairs Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti noted that the signing of the exchange notes and grant extension speaks to a decade of relationship and the impact Japan has had on Liberia through several developments, including human capital and infrastructure.
According to Minister Nyanti, the signing is also a manifestation of Japan’s holistic love for Liberia.
“This relation and partnership, we can guarantee you, will be further strengthened and deepened.
She narrated that infrastructure and road development are at the height of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s priorities for Liberia, adding, ” If we don’t have access to the market, agriculture will be meaningless.”
Minister Nyanti believes Japan’s investment in Liberia has a significant contribution to education and demonstrates that the Japanese have a long-term relationship with Liberia.
“I can guarantee you that with the leaders around the table responsible, we will bring the quality and effectiveness desire,” Minister Nyanti added.
During the ceremony, Public Works Minister Roland L. Giddings said the Japanese government has been committed to improving the Japan Freeway.
Minister Giddings expressed excitement for Japan’s involvement with the project, especially when sustainability and the maintenance of the road have become an issue.
He further said he was glad that the project had been extended from the Gabriel Tucker Bridge to the Freeport of Monrovia.
Giddings names the project as important because the road is an economic belt for trade in the country. He notes that the government is moreover looking for the possibility of extending the road from Freeport to St. Paul Bridge and as far as Virginia.
Minister Goddings then commended Japan for the Community infrastructure project in Liberia, which he said led to the opening of several corridors in the community and committed Liberia to live up to what is required under the agreement.