By Jamesetta D Williams
MONROVA-It has been confirmed by Public Works Minister Roland Giddings has reaffirmed that the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Road will be completed by 2028, but attributed the project’s slow progress to “poor planning and implementation” under the previous Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)-led administration.
Speaking Tuesday in an interview on Prime FM, Minister Giddings said the Boakai administration is working to ensure the long-delayed highway is completed within the next two years despite challenges inherited from the previous government.
According to the Minister, the current administration encountered major structural deficiencies upon taking over the project, claiming that the initial groundwork and pavement preparation were not properly executed.
He argued that these shortcomings have affected the pace of construction and required additional corrective work before further progress could be made.
Giddings also alleged that the previous administration failed to effectively manage the financing of the road project. He claimed that project funds were disbursed to contractors without adequate oversight and accountability.
The Minister disclosed that the government is currently conducting an audit of the project to determine how the allocated funds were utilized and to establish whether proper financial procedures were followed.
Despite the setbacks, Giddings expressed confidence that the government remains on course to complete the RIA Road by 2028, describing the project as a key national infrastructure priority aimed at improving transportation, boosting economic activity, and providing safer access to Roberts International Airport.
The Roberts International Airport Road is one of Liberia’s most important highways, serving as the primary gateway between the country’s main international airport and the capital, Monrovia.
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