Published: November 7, 2025
GBARNGA, Bong County — The government’s decision to stop work on a community-backed bridge project in Gbarnga has sparked anger among residents, who accuse authorities of placing politics above public safety.
The Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), led by businessman and political figure Musa Hassan Bility, had begun assembling materials to construct a 38-meter bridge across the Jor River, valued at an estimated US$500,000. The bridge would connect the Civil Compound and Jorkpanmue communities, areas long cut off from each other during rainy seasons.
Last week, the Ministry of Public Works ordered the project halted, arguing that the government already has budgetary allocation and technical plans in place for the same bridge and must proceed through official development channels.
Residents Say Delay Is Dangerous
On Thursday, hundreds of residents gathered at the riverbank to express frustration, saying the government has made similar promises for years without acting, while people continue to drown attempting to cross.
“I’ve lived here for more than 25 years, and no one ever came to fix this bridge,” said resident Jacob N. Kollie. “Children and older people have died in this water. We just want relief.”
Residents say the arrival of construction supplies had renewed hope, only to be dashed.
“We don’t care who builds it. We only want the bridge,” one woman said. “The government’s future plan will not save lives now.”
Local Leaders Face Criticism
Some residents accused county officials of blocking the work because of political affiliations.
“We are not insulting anyone, but the superintendent and Senator Moye must allow this project,” said elder Joe Davis. “When a bridge was opened in Nimba and the Vice President attended, nobody stopped it. Why should ours be stopped?”
Others warned of escalating protest if their demand is ignored.
“We don’t want to bring our mats to sleep at the Capitol,” Davis said. “But we will not be silent.”
CMC Accuses Government of Politicizing Development
In a statement signed by CMC National Chairman James M. V. Yougie, the group said the ministry’s rejection shows “a recurring pattern of bureaucratic resistance meant to suppress citizen-led development.”
The group questioned the timing of the government’s claimed budget allocation for the bridge and argued that its proposal was technically sound and community-backed.
Government: Project Must Follow Technical Standards
Public Works Minister Roland Lafayette Giddings confirmed that CMC submitted design documents, but said they lacked mandatory engineering components, including topography surveys, geotechnical analysis, hydrological assessment, and structural modeling.
He said the ministry welcomes citizen participation but must ensure safety and compliance.
“We appreciate your efforts and look forward to future collaboration,” Giddings wrote.
A Community Caught Between Need and Politics
The halted bridge project has now become a flashpoint in broader tensions between government development planning and opposition-aligned civic initiatives.
For the residents of Civil Compound and Jorkpanmue, the stakes are immediate:
rain is approaching, the river will swell, and crossing will again become deadly.
“We want less politics,” Kollie said. “We want the bridge.”
Discussion about this post