IPNEWS: A pro-democracy group, Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), says it is concerned about repeated criticisms of the ongoing road construction works of the 45km 4-lane RIA highway.
DWI in a release issued over the weekend stated while construction works have since started with significant progress made until the heavy pouring of the rains in recent months, the barrage of vague condemnation of the contractors, East International Group and China Railways, without considering the critical nature of work being done and the significance of that route which leads to the country’s only international airport is unacceptable.
The pro-democracy group argues that with the presence of the rains, the contractors were still making progress with the bridges, culvert lines, box culverts, as well as backfilling which testify to the contractors’ commitment to delivering within the deadline.
The investigation by DWI, established the legitimacy and technical competence of the contractor, as well as determined commitment to deliver on the deadline the 45km 4-lane ELWA-RIA road project for the general good of the country is ill-reversible.
It may be recalled, that about a year ago, East International Group came under similar criticism that it lacked the requisite equipment and expertise to even commence the contract; but on the contrary, the contractor has proven to have all it takes to deliver in time, given the completion of the super base, as well as current progressive works being made on the road.
Amidst this progress, DWI said it remains worried over unnecessary criticisms against a contractor who participated and won a highly competitive bidding process, which could undermine the entirety of works being done; as citizens’ cooperation is keen in the implementation phase of the contract.
“DWI wants to caution the people of Liberia, particularly those opposing the RIA road construction probably as a result of their opposing political persuasion to that of the Government of Liberia, to reconsider the overall significance of said road to the development drive of the country. “
“Liberia is in dire need of infrastructure development with roads being a paramount proponent; as such, we encourage every citizen to embrace such genuine efforts towards road connectivity and avoid the everyday petit political wrestles. Liberia cannot and must not afford to play politics with sustained development.”
“Lastly, as a pro-democracy group, we call on our partners around the globe to continue to support the country’s development agenda of which road construction is overriding; because the ultimate goal of such development will be sustained economic growth which will transition the ordinary citizens from poverty to sufficiency.” Democracy Watch Initiative, release noted.
