Concerns are mounting over the slow pace of construction on the Sanniquellie–Loguatuo Highway, with residents, traders, and transport operators warning that delays could severely affect cross-border trade and transportation ahead of Liberia’s peak rainy season.
Despite repeated government assurances that work on the corridor remains on track, an investigation by the Daily Observer found that progress along the strategic trade route has significantly slowed since the end of the 2023 elections.
During a tour of the corridor on Friday, May 1, 2026, reporters observed that several major sections remain incomplete, including detours around bridges and unfinished drainage structures.
Although limited construction activity was ongoing in some areas, many residents described the pace of work as far slower than previous years.
The highway serves as one of Liberia’s most important commercial corridors, linking the country to neighboring Côte d’Ivoire and facilitating the movement of goods from several ECOWAS countries, including Ghana, Togo, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Particular concern surrounds the unfinished bridge over the Cestor River connecting Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. While one side of the structure appears partially backfilled, substantial work remains outstanding before the bridge can become fully operational.
“We prayed that the road would be completed before the peak of the rainy season, but the level of work we are seeing currently is not encouraging—it is too slow and we don’t know what is really happening,” said a trailer driver identified only as Morris.
“The detours along the road pose a danger to the movement of trailers carrying heavy cargo and other heavy equipment,” he added.
A security officer stationed at the Loguatuo Port of Entry also expressed concern about the deteriorating condition of unfinished sections.
“If nothing is done speedily, the road may certainly collapse in places that are yet to be completed,” the officer warned.
When contacted, officials of the China Railway Seventh Group Co., Ltd., declined to comment on the status of the project.
A human resource manager at the company’s local office said the firm had been instructed by the government not to speak publicly about issues relating to the road construction.
“We were told not to speak with the press, so any press-related issues pertaining to the road can only be addressed by Public Works,” the company representative stated.
However, a senior engineer at Liberia’s Ministry of Public Works, speaking anonymously, attributed the slowdown to financial constraints.
“There is not enough funding now to speed up the work,” the engineer disclosed.
Construction on the highway officially began in November 2020 with funding support from the African Development Bank, co-financed by the European Union through the European Investment Bank and the Government of Liberia.
However, reports emerged last year that the European Investment Bank had withdrawn support due to concerns linked to environmental degradation and related issues.
Business operators say continued delays threaten regional commerce and could increase transportation costs for importers and consumers alike.
“We brought in agricultural produce through this port, and it is important that the government ensure that the road is completed to enhance smooth travel and also reduce cost of transportation,” said tomato importer Musa Koné.
Citizens and traders are now calling on the government and project partners to accelerate construction before heavy rains further damage incomplete portions of the road and disrupt one of Liberia’s busiest trade routes.
