The Government of Liberia has turned down a proposal by the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) to construct a 38-meter bridge in Gbarnga, Bong County, citing that the project is already captured under the national development plan of the Ministry of Public Works.
In a letter dated November 4, 2025, and addressed to CMC’s National Chairman, Mr. James M.V. Yougie, Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings acknowledged receipt of the organization’s bridge design documents but clarified that the government has already budgeted for the same project.
“We wish to inform you that the Government of Liberia, through a budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Public Works, has plans for the construction of the subject bridge and is in the process of finalizing all technical documents for the procurement of a contractor,” the letter stated.
Minister Giddings, however, commended CMC for its development-driven initiative and provided technical guidelines for future infrastructure proposals from private or community-based groups. He said such proposals must include a site topography study, geotechnical investigation, hydrological and hydraulic reports, structural analysis and design, and full working drawings for consideration.
Despite the government’s explanation, the decision has drawn mixed reactions from political and development observers, some of whom suggest that the refusal may be politically motivated or could slow down ongoing development efforts in Bong County.
“This could have been an opportunity for public-private partnership to accelerate rural development,” one analyst told reporters. “Blocking such efforts sends the wrong message about government priorities.”
The proposed bridge, according to CMC, was intended to enhance transportation, trade, and economic connectivity in Gbarnga, one of central Liberia’s key commercial hubs. Residents in the area have repeatedly complained about poor road networks and limited access, particularly during the rainy season.
The Ministry of Public Works has reassured the public that the bridge project remains part of its national infrastructure plan, but as of press time, no official timeline has been announced for the commencement of construction. Gov’t Rejects CMC Bridge Proposal, Cites Existing Development Plans
The Government of Liberia has turned down a proposal by the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) to construct a 38-meter bridge in Gbarnga, Bong County, citing that the project is already captured under the national development plan of the Ministry of Public Works.
In a letter dated November 4, 2025, and addressed to CMC’s National Chairman, Mr. James M.V. Yougie, Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings acknowledged receipt of the organization’s bridge design documents but clarified that the government has already budgeted for the same project.
“We wish to inform you that the Government of Liberia, through a budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Public Works, has plans for the construction of the subject bridge and is in the process of finalizing all technical documents for the procurement of a contractor,” the letter stated.
Minister Giddings, however, commended CMC for its development-driven initiative and provided technical guidelines for future infrastructure proposals from private or community-based groups. He said such proposals must include a site topography study, geotechnical investigation, hydrological and hydraulic reports, structural analysis and design, and full working drawings for consideration.
Despite the government’s explanation, the decision has drawn mixed reactions from political and development observers, some of whom suggest that the refusal may be politically motivated or could slow down ongoing development efforts in Bong County.
“This could have been an opportunity for public-private partnership to accelerate rural development,” one analyst told reporters. “Blocking such efforts sends the wrong message about government priorities.”
The proposed bridge, according to CMC, was intended to enhance transportation, trade, and economic connectivity in Gbarnga, one of central Liberia’s key commercial hubs. Residents in the area have repeatedly complained about poor road networks and limited access, particularly during the rainy season.
The Ministry of Public Works has reassured the public that the bridge project remains part of its national infrastructure plan, but as of press time, no official timeline has been announced for the commencement of construction. By: Andrew B Weah, 0770637216/0886429103, andrewbweah@gmail. Com
