By Stephen N. Tokpah
(freelancer)
After the disastrous petrol tanker explosion in Totota which claim over 50 lives, the Management of God’s Willing Incorporated has opened and dedicated a new facility in Gbarnga, Bong County.
It can be recalled on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, Bong County experienced shocking news that led to the deaths of at least 50 persons and many others still hospitalized; a situation that caused total mourning for residents of the county, Liberia and the world at large.
The disaster occurred when a gas tanker belonging to the God’s Willing INC Executive Director, Odoshall Karnue, reeled off the road and landed on its side, causing the accident.
But speaking at the dedicatory ceremony of the filling station in Gbarnga on July 15, 2024, Karnue said the newly dedicated facility will bring relief to petroleum dealers who finding it extremely difficult to access affordable petroleum products in the City.
The Nimba County business tycoon emphasized that the newly dedicated facility will also provide job opportunities for residents in Central Liberia, while at the same time called on citizens to take advantage of the facility in purchasing petroleum products.
Mr. Karnue told the gathering that he owns over 12 gas stations in the 15 counties of Liberia and admonished Liberians to get engaged or involved in the development of Liberia.
He underscored the need for the government to empower more Liberians who are making strides in the private sector; especially in the petroleum industry thereby vowing to build a filling station across the country.
Meanwhile, many citizens have voiced their strong disapproval of the company’s expansion in the wake of the previous disaster saying, “We are still mourning the loss of our people, and now Odoshall Karnue, the owner of God’s Willing Inc. has opened its branch here in Gbarnga.”
Esther Kollie, other community member echoed similar sentiments, expressing deep disappointment and mistrust towards God’s Willing Inc. while some Bongese are even calling on the government to intervene and halt the company’s latest operations in the county.
The controversial opening of the new Gbarnga facility has generated public scrutiny of God’s Willing’s operations and its safety’s record. With tensions high and unresolved questions lingering, this latest development seems destined to deepen the rift between the company and the local population it aims to serve.
Despite the residents descending view regarding the God’s Willing Inc. operation in the county, Bong County Administrative Officer, Sam B. Elliott, has lauded the management of the God’s Willing Inc. for the initiative in the county.
He further admonished Bongese to give their land to investors in order to develop the county and said the new filling station facility will help provide job opportunities for Bongese in the county.
