By Ethel A Tweh
Grand Kru County Senator, Numene T.H. Bartekwa is seeking the approval of the Liberian Senate to allocate an amount of US$100 million in the 2022 budget exclusively for primary roads in all of the 15 counties here.
Senator Bartekwa in a communication to the Senate during its 10th Day Sitting of the Special Session on Tuesday, 25 November 2021, called on the Senate to allocate the amount in the national budget, especially at the time the budget is before the Legislature for Legislative actions.
According to the Grand Kru Senator, most of the problems in the country are tied to deplorable roads that connect the various counties.
The lawmaker further mentioned the hike in prices of basic commodities and other services as a result of bad roads.
He noted that the citizenry faced extreme difficulty in commuting to the various counties, adding that there is a need for the government to take decisive steps in addressing the road issues, especially in the rural areas.
“Look at what we go through getting to the South East, Lofa, Gbarpolu, and other counties, it is almost impossible for people to get to these counties during the rainy season. So as a government we need to focus our efforts in this direction,” Senator Bartekwa said.
He at the same time acknowledged that the proposed US$100 Million may not be sufficient but there must be a starting point, noting that this amount can make significant impacts.
Senator Bartekwa said that the growing wave of economic activities in the cities of Ganta in Nimba County, and Buchanan in Grand Bassa County are a clear benefit of good roads.
He also said since these two cities experienced the connections of paved roads, there have been rapid developments and smooth economic activities.
Senator Bartekwa who is also chairman of the Senate committee on concession and investment concluded by seeking the indulgence of his colleagues to have a special consideration with respect to his request.
Following the reading of the communication, Plenary resolved that determination of the request be addressed upon a comprehensive report by the Senate Judiciary committee already investigating issues relative to the road funds. The committee is expected to report to the Senate during its sitting next Tuesday.
