MONROVIA – The Ministry of Public Works has recently introduced a comprehensive US$1.3 million technical plan aimed at constructing a new bridge in Gbarnga, Bong County.
This plan was officially presented to Representative Musa Bility during a session in the House of Representatives, signaling a major initiative to enhance the region’s infrastructure.
The Ministry stated that the bridge design has undergone thorough review and approval, with specific technical requirements implemented to ensure its durability.
Given Gbarnga’s increasing population and heavy traffic, the bridge is expected to serve as a vital link for local commuters, thus facilitating smoother transport and connectivity.
With the Ministry’s approval secured, Representative Bility is poised to initiate construction activities imminently, a crucial step towards upgrading the county’s infrastructure.
However, the situation has become contentious, as Hon. Josiah Marvin Cole, the Bong District #3 Representative and a member of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), has raised concerns regarding potential political motives behind the Ministry’s actions.
On November 3, 2025, the Public Works Ministry communicated to the CMC that it had allocated funds within its infrastructure budget for building the bridge, a project previously earmarked by the party.
Initially, the Ministry of Public Works requested the necessary blueprints and other documents from the CMC.
After the party complied by providing all requested materials, the Ministry later issued a stop order on the construction, citing that the government intended to pursue the project itself.
Representative Cole is skeptical about the motives behind this abrupt decision, suggesting it may be influenced by political power plays.
In response to these events, the House of Representatives has summoned Hon. Roland Giddings, the Minister of Public Works, along with his technical team, to provide clarification regarding the ministry’s halt on the Jor River Bridge project—an initiative believed to offer an alternative route for commuters traveling between Ganta, Monrovia, and Gbarnga.
Cole expressed that the ministry’s actions could significantly hinder development efforts in the region and jeopardize the welfare of its residents.
He stressed that the CMC has secured over US$500,000 in funding for the bridge project, which aims to resolve longstanding infrastructural issues that have resulted in considerable transportation challenges and have tragically claimed lives over the past four decades.
Emphasizing the urgency of addressing the matter, Cole warned against the “weaponization of government functionaries” and urged fellow lawmakers to prioritize the needs and wellbeing of citizens over political agendas.
The unfolding developments in this situation highlight a broader struggle over infrastructure priorities in Bong County, emphasizing the critical intersection of governance, public works, and community needs.
. As construction plans progress, stakeholders remain vigilant about ensuring that the needs of the population are met without political interference.
