The Liberian–Swedish Rural Development Project (LISA) has completed a two-week training for local workers on how to build and maintain small roads that connect villages to towns. These roads, called Village Access Roads (VARs), are made from old footpaths and improved to allow motorbikes and small vehicles to pass.
The graduation ceremony was held at Cottington University in Gbarnga, Bong County. The project is funded by the Swedish Government through its development agency, SIDA.
The LISA project helps turn narrow footpaths into better roads in remote areas, making it easier for people to move around, do business, and access important services.
The training ran from June 24 to July 5, 2025, and focused on giving participants hands-on skills to help build better road networks in rural areas of Bong, Lofa, and Nimba Counties. These roads will help people get to markets, schools, and health centers more easily, especially farming communities.
Key Messages from the Program:
Mr. Elvis S.V. Mansahn, LISA Project Director, praised the graduates for their hard work and said the skills they gained will help their communities for years to come. He also thanked the Ministry of Public Works and the Swedish Government for supporting the project.
Assistant Minister Isaac Vaye, Jr. of the Ministry of Public Works also spoke at the event. He praised the trainees and organizers for their efforts and highlighted how important the LISA project is for rural development. He also thanked Mr. Adem Andreski, the former project leader, and called on the Swedish Government to continue its support.
Both speakers encouraged the graduates to put their new skills to use in their home communities to help improve transportation and daily life for rural Liberians.
