Rep. Seboe, Gov. Teah, and Min. Giddings break ground for $3.5M bridge and road project in New Kru Town, VOA

BUSHROD ISLAND – Montserrado County District #16 Representative Dixon W. Seboe, Borough Governor Robert B. Teah, and Public Works Minister Roland Lafayette Giddings have officially broken ground for the construction of a 35-meter bridge and rigid pavement roads connecting New Kru Town and VOA#1 communities.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, in the Borough, brought together residents, community leaders, and government officials, including representatives from the legislature and the Ministry of Public Works.

Project Overview

Rep. Seboe revealed that the project’s inception dates back to 2019 when he submitted the proposal to the late Public Works Minister Mabutu Vlah Nyenpan. He emphasized that all documentation, feasibility studies, and technical preparations were completed under the administration of former President George Manneh Weah and the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).

Following the transition of power, Seboe said he engaged Minister Giddings to ensure the project continued under the Unity Party-led administration.

“Giddings is my professional and soccer colleague,” Seboe stated. “Despite our differing political ideologies, he came to my office, and we discussed this project.”

Seboe noted that updates were made to enhance the bridge’s durability, requiring additional resources.

Call to Depoliticize the Project

Seboe urged the community to focus on the project’s significance for national development rather than politicizing it.

“We want more development, not politics,” he stressed. “Some people want to politicize this, claiming it’s a Joseph Boakai or George Weah project. Stop it! This bridge is for the people of Liberia.”

He assured residents of his commitment to lobbying for financial and technical support from the Ministries of Finance, Development Planning, and Public Works.

Governor Teah’s Remarks

Governor Robert Teah commended Rep. Seboe for initiating the project under the CDC government and acknowledged the Unity Party administration for advancing it.

“This is the beginning of many developments in our area,” Teah remarked, highlighting the project’s potential to alleviate traffic congestion on the Duala-St. Paul Bridge corridor.

Teah called on the Ministry of Public Works to prioritize local labor during the project. “We are not saying the contractor shouldn’t bring their own people, but our residents must be prioritized,” he said.

Public Works Minister’s Statement

Minister Giddings explained that the bridge would link New Kru Town’s central area to the St. Paul Bridge via Island Clinic. He announced a six-month construction timeline, targeting completion by July 2025.

“This project will be among the developments dedicated by the president this year,” Giddings said.

He added that the Ministry would also clean major drainage systems before the rainy season and improve the primary access road to the Borough.

Addressing the need to clear pathways for construction, Giddings assured residents that the Ministry would work with them to minimize disruptions while enhancing local infrastructure. He confirmed that the contractor had been instructed to prioritize hiring local residents, creating short-term job opportunities.

Community Support and Violence Prevention

Governor Teah discouraged violence during the project and encouraged collaboration among community members. “Let’s avoid violence and work together to ensure this project succeeds,” he urged.

He also called on community leaders to support construction workers by providing timely meals and other assistance.

Technical Details of the Contract

Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Public Works, Prince D. C. Tambah, disclosed that the project is valued at $3,501,528.21.

The contract includes the construction of a 35-meter bridge connecting New Kru Town to the Island Clinic Community, which forms part of the St. Paul Bridge Community. It also covers the rigid pavement of 4.1 kilometers of road, comprising: