By Bridgett Milton
CAPITOL HILL, Liberia, October 16, 2026 – The House of Representatives has invited the Minister of Public Works to appear before its Committee on Public Works and Concessions over reported cracks in the newly laid binder course of the ELWA Junction-to-Roberts International Airport (RIA) highway.
The minister is expected to appear before the committee on Tuesday, October 20, to explain the reported defects and measures being taken to address concerns about the road’s quality and durability.
The House reached the decision following a communication from Nimba County District #5 Representative Kortor Sehwongbay Kwagrue, who raised concerns about alleged structural defects along portions of the highway.
In his communication, Rep. Kwagrue requested that the House invite officials of the Ministry of Public Works and East International Group, Inc., the company associated with the project, to provide explanations regarding the reported defects and construction standards.
According to the lawmaker, inspections along the corridor revealed what he described as significant engineering irregularities, particularly between ELWA Junction and the Rock International School area, where the newly laid binder course reportedly shows extensive cracking.
He alleged that construction workers have repeatedly excavated and patched affected sections, raising questions about the quality of materials, engineering supervision, and the road’s expected lifespan.
Kwagrue stressed that because the project involves public funds, the Legislature has a responsibility to ensure accountability, transparency, and value for money in infrastructure development.
“All I want is for the relevant authorities and the contractor to explain the technical causes of the reported cracking, including whether material failures or other engineering factors contributed to the defects,” he said.
The Nimba County lawmaker also wants clarification on the highway’s approved design lifespan and the corrective measures being undertaken to ensure its long-term durability.
The reported cracks have raised concerns about the quality of the ongoing roadworks, although their causes and implications for the highway’s structural integrity have not been independently established.
The Ministry of Public Works and the contractor’s responses to the allegations were not available in the report.
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