By Patrick Stephen Tokpah
-Bong
Several residents of Gbaowuta Town in Panta District 4, Bong County, and Dianenia Town in Guinea are appealing to the Governments of Liberia and Guinea to jointly construct the bridge that links the two countries.
The bridge serves as a major trade route for many Liberians traveling to Guinea, particularly through the town of Dianenia in Guinea.
Unfortunately, the poor condition of the bridge has led to severe challenges for those who rely on the route for their commercial activities.
The residents revealed that the road from Gbaowuta to Dianenia is the shortest and most convenient way to reach Guinea. Many people use this route for cross-border trades between Guinea and Liberia, which are vital for their daily lives and businesses.
However, due to the flooding of the Siaya River, transportation of goods becomes increasingly difficult for the citizens on both sides of the frontier.
Both Liberian and Guinean citizens have expressed their frustrations about the bridge’s condition.
“Vehicles can no longer safely travel this route, forcing people to rely on motorcycles for transporting goods. When we reach the river, we often have to carry our goods and motorcycles on our heads to cross – a task that can only be done during the dry season,” the residents added.
As a result of these transportation issues, citizens are forced to pay more money to motorcyclists to get themselves and their goods across either side of the border. This situation has placed a heavy financial burden on them.
Moreover, the poor state of the bridge has led to an increase in accidents, endangering the lives of the frequent users of the route.
They believe that addressing this long-standing issue will not only improve their daily lives but will also strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
However, Mark Sulonteh, Irene Christina Reinking Foundation (ICRF) Country Representative to Liberia, noted, “We are calling on the Governments of both Liberia and Guinea to kindly see a reason to jointly collaborate in ensuring that this bridge be constructed, to address our long-standing suffering.”
The ICRF is a nonprofit organization established to help buttress the Government of Liberia’s efforts in revamping Education, Health, and Agriculture, among others.
“Irene Christina Reinking Foundation has renovated Gbaowuta Public School and our organization has again embark on the construction of over US$54, 000 Library Project at schools in Panta District 4, Bong County,” he noted.
He said the deplorable condition of the bridge between Gbaowuta in Liberia and Guinea Dianenia is severely impacting trade and transportation for many people in the area.
With calls for government’s action growing louder, there is hope that a solution can be found that will benefit both nations and improve the lives of their citizens.
The ICRF Country Representative cited significant difficulties and dangers they are facing due to the lack of a bridge over the Siaya River and other obstacles, often highlighting issues like long travel times, economic disruption, and safety concerns for pedestrians and vehicles.
He emphasized the immediate problems caused by the lack of a bridge, such as dangerous fording attempts during rainy seasons, significant time delays in commuting, and limited access to essential services.
Mr. Sulonteh explained how the absence of a bridge hinders economic development by restricting the movement of goods and peoples between communities.
He highlights the risks to pedestrians and drivers attempting to cross the obstacle, especially during adverse weather conditions.
“We, the residents of Gbaowuta and Dianenia, urgently request the construction of a bridge over the Siaya River at the Liberia and Guinea border,” Sulonteh added.
“We strongly urge the authorities to prioritize this critical infrastructure project to improve the quality of life for our community,” he further stressed.
The advocacy of the ICRF Country Representative demonstrates widespread support for the bridge’s project as citizens are calling on well-meaning citizens of Panta District and Guinea to come to their aid.
They made the statement recently in an interview with the Inquirer Newspaper in District 4, Bong County.