Monrovia – As many Liberians celebrate President George Weah’s proposed coastal highway to connect counties in the Southeast of the country, the Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate claims it would be almost impossible construct the coastal highway, taking into consideration the cost attached.
Report by Henry Karmo, [email protected]
Providing an alternative to the coastal highway to connect Grand Bassa County to the rest of the region which includes Rivercess, Sinoe, Grand Kru and Maryland Counties, Senator Albert Chie on Tuesday called for the pavement of the existing stretch of roads connecting Buchanan and Pleebo, Maryland County.
“This is not the coastal highway that has been talked about over many years as it would be very costly to construct due to the many rivers, marshlands and other harsh terrains along the immediate coastline,” said Senator Chie, who is a mining engineer.
According to the Pro-Temp, the legislature is informed that the Executive Branch is presently engaged in talks with international financial institutions to arrange a loan deal for the construction of road segment as well as roads leading to Gbarpolu and Grand Cape Mount Counties at a cost of approximately US$535 million.
Weah Proposal For Costal Road
It can be recalled during his first state of the Nation address at the 54th legislature, President Weah informed members of the Legislature that his immediate strategy for reducing poverty, increasing youth empowerment through job creation and training, and improving the productivity of the economy, is to embark upon a comprehensive road and highway construction program that will link all county capitals with all-weather paved primary roads.
The President assured that the roads would be built to the highest international standards, and linked to paved secondary farm-to-market roads that will enhance agriculture, trade, and tourism in Liberia.
He said particular priority will be given to a coastal highway that will run from Buchanan to Harper, which will eventually end the complete isolation of southeastern Liberia.
“This is going to be very challenging, but I am convinced that, with the assistance of friendly governments and institutions, this can be achieved before the end of my tenure,” President Weah said.
However, on Tuesday, Pro-Temp Chie informed reporters that the much publicized loan agreement that is being sought by the government has not been signed.
But he said when it is finally signed, the deal will be sent to the legislature for ratification.
“The ratification process will involve public disclosure on the instrument and it will not be hidden,” he said.
“We want to assure the public that the Senate will ensure that any loan incurred will be within the confines of good governance and will be used for the intended purpose.”
Making clarity surrounding the management of the road fund established by an act of legislation, he said the government’s road fund is to enhance the construction and maintenance of roads within the country.
The Senate Pro-Temp said one of the sources of the fund is by levying each gallon of petroleum products imported within the country.
The annual amount would be between US$25m and US$30m as captured in the 2017/2018 National budget and is being collected by importers of petroleum products.
But he said the law is being legally challenged by one of the importers.
Meanwhile, he disclosed plans that the Liberian Senate, in keeping with international guidelines, will do the necessary paper work to ensure senators declare their assets through the office of the secretary of the senate.
He said asset declaration by Senators will be done before the expiration of the July deadline of this year.