PHOTO: The makeshift timber bridge currently existing
By Emmanuel Mafelah, mafelahemmanuel29@gmail.com
GBARNGA, Liberia- Residents of Tumatai in Suakoko District in Bong County have begun constructing a bridge to link several towns and villages in the area, with funding for the project coming from citizens living in the surrounding area, more than 169 kilometers northeast of Monrovia.
J. Mike Tokorlon, who is the heading the project, told journalists recently that the bridge would allow residents in the area to have access to the shortest route for bringing goods to Gbondoi and Suakoko.
With over thousands of people living in the lower part of the district, Tokorlon said they faced limited movement and there were associated economic impacts without being able to travel to purchase and sell goods.
The vast majority of residents in the area are survive on farming. Without the bridge, their movements are hindered because the road is inaccessible to vehicles.
“You know everybody from this side use this road only if they are walking, so it is, therefore, important for us to have this bridge built so that vehicles and motorcycles can ply it,” he said.
Mr. Tokorlon estimated that the project costs US$8,000.00 and he is calling on lawmakers and the Ministry of Public works to support the project.
For his part, the General Town Chief of Tumatai, B. Jackson Flomo said residents have been worried about the condition of the bridge.
He added that even though they have little resources, they can’t continue to be sitting on the fence but must start the project.
He noted that the damaged bridge impedes business and other transactions, where residents have to cut through reefs to cross over the creek.
“We have already started this project through our small cash, but we are asking for more support to have this project completed,”he said.
Over the last few months, there have been many efforts by citizens across Bong County who have initiated and funded their own projects.
Recently, residents of Tamatee Town in Suakoko District began rehabilitating major roads and access paths within their district out of concern that the rainy season would make travel difficult.