Grand Bassa – Major infrastructure upgrades and agricultural support programs led by the Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) are driving a wave of change in Grand Bassa County’s rural areas. For many years, the economy of the area was hindered by bad road conditions, restricted market access, and insufficient assistance for farmers. However, these issues have now improved.
The restoration of a vital 38-kilometer route that connects Buchanan to LAC’s operating core at Compound 3 is at the center of this development. The road has been improved to enable year-round travel after being practically unusable during the wet season.
Launched in 2024 as part of LAC’s Sustainable Road Repair Strategy, the project involves complete structural repair in addition to basic maintenance. More than fifty outdated culverts were fixed or replaced, and reinforced drainage systems were put in place to solve flooding and erosion issues that had previously made travel hazardous and unpredictable, according to Deepak Divaran, LAC’s Local Rubber Purchase and Road Maintenance Manager.
He revealed in 2025 that the project grew as a result of a collaboration with the Rubber Development Fund Incorporated (RDFI), bringing long-isolated communities back together and extending roadworks near the St John Highway.
According to Divaran, places like Jentro Hill and Saturdays Town have benefited from safer road diversions, better drainage, and slope stabilisation, making transportation more dependable for both businesses and inhabitants.
Commercial rider Samuel K. Doe described the previous conditions as incredibly tough, especially during the rainy season when travels may take hours. However, motorcyclists who use the road on a daily basis indicated the adjustments have been life-changing.
“Before, we could even sleep on the road because of the mud. Now, we can move freely and safely. It has improved our work,” Doe said.
Peter N. Zleh, another rider, mentioned how their revenue used to be impacted by regular breakdowns. He claimed that riders can now make more trips and earn better daily returns because of the improved road conditions. Additionally, safety has greatly increased. Commercial motorcyclist Emmanuel Tarr stated that while deep potholes and flooding were historically frequent causes of accidents, the dangers have decreased due to improved conditions.
Truck drivers moving cargo along the hallway also expressed similar opinions. Trokon, a driver, claimed that trucks had previously become trapped for days, interfering with supply networks and commerce. In addition to infrastructure, LAC’s farmer training initiatives are providing local farmers with better rubber production techniques. According to Wesseh Town beneficiaries, the training has enhanced their understanding of sustainable farming.
Oreath Jones, a participant in the tapping training program, thanked them but asked for additional sessions to accommodate farmers who couldn’t make it to the initial training due to the farming season. She also stressed the importance of farming tools and equipment, noting that many farmers still struggle to apply what they have learned.
The company is supplying materials to farmers on credit and distributing approximately 140,000 improved rubber plants to smallholders this year, further strengthening the sector. Speaking, District Superintendent Morris Neasain noted that LAC has gone above and above its concession requirements to maintain the road and characterised the company’s services as essential to the county’s development.
He underlined that increased trade and earnings have resulted from better transportation, with some farmers now making between $500 and $2,000 a month from rubber production. Residents claim that despite the advancements, more assistance is still required, especially in the areas of advanced training and farming tool availability.
Grand Bassa is experiencing a revitalised sense of possibilities as agricultural practices change and roads get better. Many see the changes as a sign of not just advancement but also a more bright future based on sustainable livelihoods and better infrastructure.
Reported by: Prince Saah
