by Shelton Gonkerwon, Nima County
TAPPITA – The highly anticipated paving of the 41-kilometer road connecting Tappita to Toe Town is set to begin on schedule. In preparation for the commencement of works, project consultants and technical experts from CICO (the contracting firm) recently concluded a series of successful consultative meetings with local stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious groups, and civil society organizations.
The engagements took place between January 4 and 7, 2026, across the Tappita – Toe Town corridor, ensuring community alignment before heavy machinery moves in.
Project Background and Mobilization
CICO, the Chinese engineering firm awarded the contract, is moving to fulfill its legal obligation to rehabilitate the stretch of road linking Nimba and Grand Gedeh Counties. With the dry season currently at its peak, the contractor is prioritizing an immediate start to maximize the favorable weather conditions.
A delegation led by Project Manager Carlos Jenkins Doloqui and Social Engagement Manager Hawa Henry traveled from Monrovia on January 4 to kickstart the awareness campaign. The team held a primary town hall meeting at the Tappita Civil Compound on Tuesday, January 6.
The meeting saw a high turnout of local leaders, including representatives from the City Mayor’s office, the District Education Office, the Liberia Joint Security forces, and various youth and religious groups. During the session, lead consultant Mr. Mulbah Nypolu provided an overview of the project, emphasizing its alignment with the government’s ARREST agenda, which prioritizes national road connectivity as a pillar for economic growth.
A Sigh of Relief for the Southeast
For the people of Southeastern Liberia, this project represents a significant shift in infrastructure development for a region that has faced decades of neglect since the end of the civil war in 2003.
Upon completion, this 41-km stretch will bring the total paved distance in the region to 140 km. This leaves a gap of only 75 km to fully connect Ganta, Nimba County, to Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County. The rapid pace of these developments has drawn praise from locals, many of whom noted that previous administrations struggled even to keep the unpaved tracks pliable during the rainy season.
Economic Impact and Improved Travel
The Boakai administration’s focus on this corridor is already yielding tangible results. Earlier rehabilitation efforts have kept the route in such good condition that small sedans are now able to travel as far as Kanweaken in River Gee County—a feat previously thought impossible for non-4WD vehicles.
The impact on the local economy has been immediate:
- Lower Commodity Prices: The cost of basic goods, most notably rice, has continued to drop as transport becomes more reliable.
- Reduced Transport Costs: Travel fares have hit an all-time low, benefiting small-scale traders, farmers, and service providers.
- Record Travel Times: Private vehicles traveling from Harper to Monrovia can now complete the journey in approximately 12 hours—a trip that once took days or even weeks.
As CICO prepares to break ground, the atmosphere in Tappita and Toe Town remains one of optimistic expectation for a future of smoother trade and safer travels.