By: Trokon Larway
Buchanan, Grand Bassa County: Members of an affected community in Grand Bassa County are expected to begin receiving compensation payments on Wednesday, as the County Administration takes steps to address concerns associated with the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project.
The compensation exercise will benefit more than sixty-five (65) individuals, with a total payout of Three Hundred Twelve Thousand United States Dollars (US$312,000). The amount covers all persons identified as affected by activities related to the implementation of the project.
Grand Bassa County Superintendent, Hon. Karyou Johnson, has emphasized the administration’s commitment to full compliance with regulations set forth by the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) throughout the implementation of the SAPZ project.
Superintendent Johnson has also called for employment opportunities generated by the project both skilled and unskilled to be prioritized for residents of Grand Bassa County, ensuring that local communities directly benefit from the initiative.As part of ongoing stakeholder engagement, Superintendent Johnson and Grand Bassa County District Five Representative, Hon. Thomas Goshua, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, held a meeting to deliberate on key issues surrounding the project.
Discussions focused on community benefits, job creation, and adherence to national laws and regulations governing public projects.County officials disclosed that the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus and the County Administration have been working closely together to ensure that the SAPZ project and its associated benefits are fully realized for the people of the county.
According to the project’s implementation timeline, the fencing component of the SAPZ is expected to be completed within eighteen (18) months.
Authorities say the initiative is expected to contribute significantly to local development while safeguarding the rights and interests of affected communities.
The SAPZ project in Grand Bassa County is a major national initiative aimed at boosting Liberia’s agricultural sector. The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone is a US$19.41 million project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Liberia and is located on a 200-hectare site in the county, with provisions for future expansion.
The project will provide critical infrastructure, institutional support, and skills development designed to enhance agro-industrial competitiveness. It forms a key pillar of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes the revitalization of Liberia’s agriculture and rural economy.
