By Emmanuel Koffa
PHOTO: Dangerous crossing of the Dorbor River in Grand Kru County due to lack of bridge
BARCLAYVILLE, Grand Kru, Liberia– Frustration is mounting in Dorbor Statutory District, as residents question how many more lives must be lost before the national government constructs long-promised bridges over River Dorbor in the southeast of the country.
Community leaders say the absence of bridges has turned the river into a deadly obstacle, forcing residents to risk their lives each day simply to reach schools, markets, health facilities, and neighboring communities.
Speaking to reporters recently, District Superintendent Lawrence Yondel described the situation as a humanitarian and development emergency, stressing that dangerous river crossings have claimed lives and destroyed property over the years.
According to Yondel, the Nyankokpoh and Chamgbette crossing points are among the district’s most hazardous locations, especially during the rainy season when floodwaters make crossing nearly impossible.
He warned that without immediate government intervention, residents will continue to face unnecessary hardship while economic activities remain crippled by poor infrastructure.
“The construction of bridges at Nyankokpoh and Chamgbette will save lives, improve transportation, promote trade, and open access to essential services for thousands of residents,” Yondel said.
Residents argue that despite repeated appeals, the district continues to be overlooked in national infrastructure development. They are calling on the Boakai administration and development partners to make the bridge project an urgent priority before another tragedy occurs.
For many in Dorbor, a bridge is no longer just a development project—it is a lifeline.