Kindly grant me a space in your media to
express concerns I have about the road issue
within the country. Recently, I came across a
lot of articles written by concerned individuals
in regards to the road conditions in Liberia,
especially in the Monrovia area. All these
concerns are very genuine, and must be analyzed
carefully.
Of all the articles written, the one
that captivated my attention was the one published
in The Analyst by a Staff writer dated December 2,
2006, titled "Road Rehabilitation
Begins Soon."
The writer expressed legitimate concerns, which
must be reviewed, and the highlights must be
studied by the ones responsible for these proposed
contracts insuring that the implementation of the
projects will in the long run benefit all
Liberians.
I begin my symposium with a paragraph from his
composition, "Roads built in this country
are superficial roads that negotiate and
scrabble rugged hills, miry valleys and
mountains. This is why for six to seven months
every year they are impassably."
Given this
to be true, it means that we are building
roads only to be used for five or six months
a year. Consequently, it would definitely be
a waste to spend money on that type of road
network. The writer made mention of
"all-weather roads." Although there is
no such thing as an "all-weather road",
but I am guessing that the point he is trying to
make is that we have to build real roads
throughout the country, and not pathways.
I am
very sympathetic to the idea of building better
roads. Incidentally, there is but one way to
build any roadway, and that is the right way.
There can be no shortcuts, by-passing of standards
for convenience, etc. The idea of granting
road construction contracts to foreign nationals
who would employ local unskilled youths to perform
menial tasks, is in itself defeating the purpose
of national re-construction.
Let's go look back to all major projects and concessions
granted to foreign nationals. Soon after the
project is completed, they pack up and repatriate
to their country of origin leaving Liberians
with a white elephant. Meaning we are left
with something that we have no means of
maintaining, or repairing should it
break down.
Take for instance the recent collapse
of the Via Town Bridge. Raymond Construction/
Viannii built this bridge back then and left.
There were no Liberians employed in key
engineering, and managerial positions back then.
When the project was complete, they left. Who was
left to perform periodic inspections of the
bridge, and conduct regular maintenance work?
We complain of the Liberia Mining Company, (LMC) digging up our iron ore, and leaving us with a big
hole in the ground. But had there been again,
Liberians in key decision-making positions with
the company, that story would have been different.
When the Liberian Mining Company left, every single piece of
equipment
and infrastructure needed to continue the
mining operation was left in tack, and running.
Why not one single Liberian took the reigns and
continued the mining operation? Ditto to LAMCO,
BMC, and NIOC. But sadly, we all sat by and let
the bush take over the assets.
We must not sit idly by and let history continue
to repeat itself with us. The time for laid back
Liberianization policy is now over. We must wake up and
live.
Back to the road issue, I must suggest that simply
filling the potholes or crater is
just not good enough. Considering the current
conditions of the roads and what it has gone
through over the years. There should be a system
developed to really repair these bad roads,
and continuously maintain them.
For example, areas
around the potholes should be stripped down to the
grade. Adequate sub-base stabilizer should be
applied, and compacted down. Then the rough, and
finish coat of asphalt, or concrete should be
applied. After this process is done. The area must
be shut down to traffic until it cures, and
reaches its compressive strength. This exercise
should be done systematically, by performing one area
at a time.
Along all major highways, and the
new ones to be built, engineers must establish
proper grades, and elevations certifying that the
finished roadway would be above the water table,
and away from flood zones. Adequate storm drainage
structures must be installed to control water run-offs. Please refer to the following sketch
below, which describes in detail the process being
discussed.
Here again , I must emphasize the need for
qualified Liberian engineers to be actively
involved in the design, and construction of all
road work, and the maintenance there-of. In
conclusion, I would suggest to the GOL to
establish a department, or a bureau of highways,
and streets. The sole purpose in this entity would
be to approve all site developments, civil
designs, monitor all construction of highways and
streets by making periodic visits to each
site ensuring the proper methods and materials
are being used.
Last but certainly not the least,
the government should establish strict codes, which all
developers, engineers, and contractors must adhere
to, or face stiff fines.
I am convinced that should we make these necessary
adjustments, in addition to the ones that others
may have to offer, we most certainly will be on the
right path to national re-construction.
I thank you once again for the space and
the opportunity to express my concerns
through your media.
Adolphus G. Mccritty, is Architect/Construction
Engineer for
Design Builders D'Christell, Inc. He resides in
Monrovia.
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