By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
The Ministry of Public Works in Liberia, with the support of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has announced a major initiative to rehabilitate the critical 237-kilometer coastal road corridor linking Buchanan, Cestos Bridge, and Cestos Junction to Cestos City. The project aims to improve road connectivity and boost socio-economic activities in the region, starting with the initial phases of the Buchanan to Cestos Bridge (74 km) and Cestos City Junction to Cestos City (31 km) sections.
To ensure a smooth start, the Ministry has commenced an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) preparation exercise. This exercise is essential to address potential socio-economic impacts, including the resettlement of affected persons and properties within the designated Right-of-Way (RoW).
Key Details of the Preparation Exercise:
Date: January 7–16, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
Location: Along the Buchanan to Cestos Bridge and Cestos Junction to Cestos City road corridors.
Activities to Be Conducted:
Environmental and Social Impact Assessments: Studying the potential environmental and social effects of the project.
Defining the Right-of-Way: Marking boundaries to guide construction activities.
Property Identification and Coding: Cataloging properties within the RoW.
Socio-economic Engagements: Consulting with Project-Affected Persons (PAPs).
Property Valuation/Appraisal: Establishing compensation mechanisms.
Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM): Addressing complaints and disputes.
Cut-off Date Announcement: Setting the timeline for eligible claims.
The Ministry has urged all individuals with properties along the RoW to be present at their locations during this period to facilitate the process. Compensation and assistance are planned to mitigate the impact on affected persons.
Call for Stakeholder Engagement
Deputy Minister for Administration, A. Samuka Dunbar, emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration to ensure the project’s success. “This exercise is crucial for safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of affected communities while paving the way for development,” he stated.
