Harper, Maryland – On April 7, 2019, China Railway No 5 completed 66 kilometers of the Fish Town-Harper Road, marking the end of phase one of the landmark road project in the southeast of Liberia.
The completion of the asphaltic binder course of the project by the Chinese engineering company signals the firm’s commitment to the development of Liberia’s road network, which is considered the first priority of President George Weah.
A ceremony to commemorate the completion of the road was attended by county superintendents, district superintendents, police commanders, and several local journalists.
The local officials lauded the Chinese contractor for what they termed as a landmark achievement, while many locals have given high expectation and appraisal to the road.
This is the first asphaltic road in the southeastern counties, which now makes the road condition better, and is expected to improve the quality of life of the locals.
Completion of this section of the road has greatly reduced the travel time between Harper and Karloken. And the road between these two major cities will no longer be inaccessible during the rainy season.
This road starts at Harper and ends at Fish Town, with a total length of 130 kilometers and the portion between Harper and Karloken is 50 kilometers.
This will be a new asphaltic road to be constructed from the existing laterite, maintaining 80 kilometers of laterite road from Karolen to Fish Town, and 16 kilometers from Harper Junction to Cavalla, which will see the construction of a new asphaltic road from the existing laterite road.
Completion of the binder course, which is the lower layer of asphaltic course, signifies that the project has entered the final crucial stage for constructing the asphaltic wearing course, which is the top course of the road.
China Railway No 5 says all the project team members and engineers have worked intensively, systematically, and in a well-organized manner towards the final completion of the project.
The company has hired many locals, who are expressing excitement while working on the road project. The workers say they are aware that the project will benefit them directly.
The locals hired are gaining skills and basic engineering knowledge while constructing the road continues. They expressed hope that the company can continue to contribute to building Liberia, which will in return provide them the opportunity to get employed and contribute to the development of the country.