Published: October 3, 2024
Monrovia – Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimley has expressed strong frustration over the poor state of road infrastructure in his county, revealing that he is currently unable to travel home due to impassable roads. His remarks were made during a broader discussion on Liberia’s development challenges.
Speaking at the National Development and County Development Agenda engagement organized by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Nimley explained that the road leading to Grand Gedeh has deteriorated to the point of being unusable. “I cannot go to Grand Gedeh; my road has been cut. The road is gone, I can’t go, so I’m here spending my vacation in Montserrado County,” he said, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The senator’s remarks highlight a national issue that has persisted despite promises made by the administration of President Joseph Boakai. During his campaign, Boakai vowed that within his first 100 days in office, no vehicle would be stuck in the mud due to bad roads, signaling a commitment to improving Liberia’s critical infrastructure. However, nearly a year into his presidency, many of the country’s roads, especially in remote counties like Grand Gedeh, remain in deplorable condition.
In his speech, Nimley stressed that the lack of functional roads is not just an inconvenience but a significant barrier to the development of Liberia’s rural counties. “We pray this time that whatever budget we put on paper actually gets funded,” he said, referring to the recurring problem of budget allocations for infrastructure that never materialize into real projects.
Nimley further noted that the poor condition of roads has crippled movement and economic activity in Grand Gedeh, where residents often find themselves cut off from essential services during the rainy season. “The people are paralyzed,” he stated. “We cannot move forward without roads, and this is something that should have been addressed long ago.”
The senator’s comments bring to light the critical role of infrastructure in rural development. Roads, he emphasized, are the backbone of economic growth, providing access to markets, healthcare, education, and other essential services. Without proper roads, counties like Grand Gedeh will remain isolated and underdeveloped, despite the government’s promises.
Nimley also touched on the broader issue of disbursement delays, which have often hampered the completion of road projects. “When we put it on paper, sometimes it does not come out in cash,” he said, suggesting that the government needs to focus not just on budgeting for road repairs but also on ensuring that the funds are released in a timely manner.
The Grand Gedeh County Senator urged stakeholders, including the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and development partners, to prioritize infrastructure improvements. He stressed the need for tangible results, particularly in counties like Grand Gedeh that have historically been neglected. “Finally, the people of Liberia will start to have another day that will bring success and happiness,” he said, expressing hope that concrete actions will follow these discussions.
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