Government Begins Community Engagement Ahead of Road Project in Grand Kru–Sinoe

By Emmanuel Koffa/Grand Kru County

The Government of Liberia has commenced community engagement efforts in Grand Kru County as part of preparations for a major road construction project. A joint team from the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Health, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Ministry of Finance is leading a comprehensive resettlement and environmental assessment in anticipation of the pavement of 50-kilometer road connecting Barclayville City to Sinoe County.

Amando G. Paye, Director of the Resettlement, Environmental, and Social Safeguards Division at the Ministry of Public Works, emphasized that the engagement aims to protect the rights of all residents who may be affected by the road development.

“Our primary goal is to ensure that every resident impacted by this project is heard, and that their rights are respected during the process,” said Paye during a meeting with community members. “Homes marked for demolition will be fairly assessed and valued. Property owners will be compensated accordingly to support a smooth relocation.”

Paye further disclosed that the government has already disbursed 70 percent of resettlement funds since April 2025, marking the first phase of the compensation effort.

The upcoming road construction, which stretches from Barclayville to Sass-Town–Nwokwa and from Sass-Town–Nwokwa to Sass-Town–Down Beach through to the Civilized Village corridor, is being funded by the European Investment Bank. The ongoing assessment also includes the identification of graves and other sensitive locations that may be affected by the road’s path.

Officials are engaging with affected communities to listen to concerns, explain the resettlement procedures, and ensure residents understand the scope and benefits of the project.

Residents of Grand Kru County have expressed appreciation for the government’s engagement and welcomed the long-awaited infrastructure project. Many shared stories of hardship caused by decades of poor road access, citing how it has limited economic activity, delayed medical care, and isolated communities during the rainy season.

“This road will change our lives,” said one resident. “We’ve been waiting for support for so long, and it feels good to know the government is finally responding to our needs.”

The Barclayville–Sinoe road project is a flagship initiative under the government’s broader national infrastructure development plan, which aims to connect remote regions, boost trade, and improve the delivery of basic services across Liberia.