The Chairman of the House Committee on Public Works and Rural Development, Nimba County District #4 Representative Ernest Manseah, has warned that Liberia continues to lose significant economic value from its natural resources due to the absence of basic infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.Rep. Manseah made the remarks while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Liberia’s first post-war National Infrastructure Conference, held in Ganta, Nimba County.
Speaking in his capacity as committee chairman, Manseah described the conference as timely and essential, noting that meaningful discussions among stakeholders are critical to identifying infrastructure gaps and crafting lasting solutions.“If we cannot discuss the issues, we will not know what the issues are and how to find solutions,” he said. “The wisdom of the Ministry of Public Works is shown in bringing together stakeholders, development partners, and sector experts to share experiences.
From this conference, I expect a strong policy document that will guide the country in addressing major infrastructure challenges.”Rep. Manseah explained that Liberia’s lack of rural electricity, roads, and water systems often places the country at a disadvantage during negotiations with concessionaires, leading to what he described as the “discounting” of national resources.Using ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) as a case study, Manseah referenced provisions in the Third Amendment to the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), which allow concessionaires to generate and transmit electricity.
However, he noted that because government-owned infrastructure is unavailable, concessionaires end up providing these services themselves—often at the expense of government revenue.“Many of the things we are supposed to get additional revenue from are not available,” he said. “So, at the end of the day, what we get as a country is minimal, and we can’t do otherwise.”The lawmaker further argued that when concessionaires construct roads, hospitals, schools, or provide scholarships, these actions are not acts of charity but are funded from resources Liberia is already entitled to receive.“Every cent that is spent is part of what you are supposed to get,” Manseah emphasized.
“But you are at a disadvantage because you are not the one monitoring or evaluating the process.”According to him, the government often lacks control over procurement and project planning, allowing concessionaires to determine costs with little oversight.“A concessionaire can tell you they spent one million dollars on a facility, and because you did not manage the procurement or planning, you have no basis to challenge it,” he said.He warned that such arrangements undermine social development funds meant to directly benefit host communities, as concessionaires offset their obligations by providing infrastructure the government should have supplied.
Rep. Manseah maintained that if the government had reliable roads, electricity, and water systems—particularly in areas like Yekepa—concessionaires would pay significantly more in taxes, fees, and service charges.“If you have roads, electricity, and water, companies like ArcelorMittal will pay much more to government,” he said. “But when you allow them to generate their own power or produce their own water at minimum cost, the revenue you should earn is lost. ”The National Infrastructure Conference began on Monday, January 19, 2026, and is expected to conclude on Friday, January 20, 2026. It is being held under the theme “Rebranding and Rebuilding Liberia Through Reconstruction.”
The conference brings together government officials, development partners, and technical experts to deliberate on key thematic areas, including spatial development and urban planning, housing and social infrastructure, energy and transport systems, road and bridge connectivity, rural access, traffic management and safety, and resilient infrastructure.Other priority areas under discussion include climate change integration, water, sewerage and sanitation (WASH), solid waste management, telecommunications, and digital connectivity, with special emphasis on underserved rural communities.
Author: P. Uriah Suah
