MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has hailed the People’s Republic of China for its continued support to Liberia’s post-war development agenda, as the two countries broke ground for the construction of two overpass bridges in Monrovia—marking a significant milestone in Liberia’s infrastructure advancement.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972) [email protected]
The overpass bridges, which will be constructed along Tubman Boulevard—one near the Ministerial Complex and the other at SKD Boulevard—are part of a China-aided infrastructure project set for completion in 2027.
At the groundbreaking ceremony held on Tuesday, President Boakai described the project as a major step in transforming Liberia’s urban mobility and reducing traffic congestion along one of the capital’s busiest corridors.
“Let me begin by expressing the Government of Liberia’s deep gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for its ongoing generosity in supporting Liberia’s economic transformation,” President Boakai said. “This cooperation and partnership between our two countries is at its best, with a significant focus on implementing tangible projects that align with our national development agenda.”
The President emphasized that the initiative reflects his administration’s broader commitment to infrastructure under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID)—a national plan focused on roads, agriculture, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism.
“These overpasses will be part of a corridor managed with discipline,” President Boakai noted, stressing maintenance, enforcement of right-of-way, and road safety. “Infrastructure is only adequate in delivery when we take care of it.”
Once completed, the bridges are expected to drastically reduce commute time, improve logistics and delivery of services, and enable quicker movement of emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks.
“They are practical solutions to reduce congestion, improve road safety, and prevent the economic losses our people face every day due to traffic delays,” the President said.
Boakai praised the Ministry of Public Works for its technical coordination of the project and urged the contractors to maintain high construction standards and meet the expected two-year deadline.
“To our contractor, you are expected to deliver a high-quality project, maintain a safe construction site, and complete the work within the two-year timeframe set by the People’s Republic of China.”
Also speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu said the launch of the overpass project symbolizes a deepening strategic partnership between China and Liberia, built on “sincerity, real results, affinity, and good faith.”
“Although China and Liberia are thousands of miles apart, our hearts are closely linked,” Ambassador Chengwu said.
The Chinese envoy referenced last year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, during which President Boakai and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to strengthen bilateral ties. The overpass bridges, according to him, are a direct result of that high-level engagement.
“The successful launch of this project reflects the traditional friendship between China and Liberia and a vivid illustration of the continuously deepening strategic partnership between the two countries,” he added.
Ambassador Chengwu emphasized that improved road infrastructure is critical to Liberia’s economic transformation and aligned with President Boakai’s ARREST development agenda.
“Upon completion, the project will significantly improve urban road conditions, reduce travel time, enhance logistics efficiency, boost economic growth, and deliver tangible benefits to the public,” the ambassador stated.
The China-Aid two oerpass Bridge project is the latest in a series of infrastructure investments by the Chinese government in Liberia and stands as a testament to the growing cooperation between the two nations.
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