Gompa City, Nimba County – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has urged Liberia to pursue a bold, climate-resilient, and digitally inclusive infrastructure initiative as the cornerstone for long-term prosperity and national recovery, cautioning that the country’s ability to compete in the future depends on how it rebuilds today.
In a speech at the National Infrastructure Conference in Nimba County, UNDP Resident Representative Aliou M. Dia said that rather than being merely construction projects, roads, energy, water systems, and digital networks should be seen as lifelines that connect people to opportunities, markets, healthcare, and education.
The UNDP Resident Coordinator appeal aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda, which highlights infrastructure as a catalyst for fair development. He urged the use of climate-informed designs and nature-based solutions, stressing that infrastructure planning must address Liberia’s increasing climate threats, such as flooding, coastal erosion, and extreme weather.
Dia also emphasized the Natural Capital Atlas and Liberia’s recently introduced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0) as essential resources for directing sustainable investment while preserving biodiversity.
Energy access was referred to as the “heartbeat of development,” and Dia called for the national grid to be expanded, renewable energy to be used more frequently, the WAPP/CLSG interconnection to be fully utilized, and the private sector to be more actively involved through open public-private partnerships.
He stated that support for Liberia’s Mission 2030 energy program is still a top priority. UNDP called for improved spatial planning, slum upgrading, land-use management, and investment in social infrastructure, cautioning against uncontrolled growth as Liberia’s cities faced rapid urbanization.
The UNDP ambassador emphasized that one of the nation’s most pressing issues is still access to clean water and sanitation, pointing out that every investment in WASH immediately enhances productivity and public health.
Additionally, he urged Liberia to embrace broadband and ICT systems as fundamental public goods, placing digital infrastructure at the core of contemporary development. Economic involvement was seen as being hampered by persistent digital disparities between men and women, between urban and rural areas, and among young people.
According to UNDP, increasing connection, digital skills, and innovation ecosystems will improve public trust, governance, and transparency. He called on the public and commercial sectors, development partners, and local communities to work together to fund and maintain infrastructure projects.
Dia recommended a National Digital Compact to expand digital inclusion throughout all 15 counties and promised to continue supporting important organizations, such as the Ministries of Public Works and Finance.
In his vision of a Liberia where roads open markets, clean water protects dignity, dependable electricity fuels industry, and digital access opens opportunity rebuilding the country through rehabilitation and resilience he urged stakeholders to carry out their pledges as the conference continues.
