Liberia: Footage shows water leaking through the roof of Roberts International Airport Terminal during heavy rain

Margibi County – Heavy rains on Thursday, October 3, 2024 caused leaks in the newly upgraded terminal at Roberts International Airport (RIA), raising concerns about the quality of the facility.

Video footage shared on social media shows water dripping from several sections of the terminal’s ceiling during the downpour, flooding parts of the interior. Water was also seen entering through the entrances, raising security and operational concerns among travelers and Liberians alike as RIA is the country’s main international gateway.

The upgraded terminal was originally inaugurated in 2017 by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and was officially inaugurated in 2019 by former President George Weah. The upgrades were part of a larger effort to modernize the airport and improve passenger services, funded by international financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank, the Saudi Fund for Development and the China Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.

These improvements aimed to improve Liberia’s global connectivity and address long-standing problems, including aging infrastructure. However, recent leaks have raised questions about the quality of construction work or possible maintenance deficiencies, particularly given Liberia’s long rainy season and significant annual rainfall.

There is growing public concern that the leaks could pose a security risk or damage critical systems in the terminal. The footage sparked widespread criticism. Many called for accountability and urgent repairs to prevent future incidents.