By: Peter Kollie | Rural Reporter News Network
Zolowo Township, Lofa County-Monday, May 26, 2025 – Reports from Zolowo Township in Zorzor, Lofa County say the Yarwor River Bridge in the area is near collapse.
The bridge, believed to have been constructed more than 40 years ago links the township to Salayea District in Lofa County.
According to our correspondent in the area, citizens of the township are raising the alarm about the deteriorating conditions of the bridge describing it as a complete death trap.
The rapid deterioration of the infrastructure has stalled healthcare development in part of the country t —issues they say are putting lives at risk and crippling local livelihoods. They are now demanding swift intervention from central government and their elected officials.
Speaking in a phone interview, Township Commissioner Papa K.B. Johnson warned of the imminent danger posed by the aging Yarwor River Bridge—a vital link connecting Zolowo to Salayea and the rest of Lofa County.
“This bridge has been here for over 45 years. It is no longer safe for motorcycles or vehicles,” he said. “We have no other route. This is our only way to Monrovia and to get essential supplies.”
Commissioner Johnson cautioned that unless immediate repairs are made, the bridge may collapse, leading to loss of lives and further isolation of the community. Residents are also demanding that the unpaved Salayea-Zolowo road be upgraded and paved to allow farmers have easy access to markets
.
“A better road means better income and food security,” Johnson stressed. “It will empower our farmers and boost the local economy.”
The residents lament that during the rainy season, the road becomes nearly impassable, making it difficult to transport goods to Monrovia. This has led to significant losses for farmers who depend on timely sales of their agricultural produce.
In addition to the infrastructure crisis, the community is also grappling with the abandoned Zolowo Health Center project. Initially launched during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the project has remained incomplete for years due to lack of funding from national government.
“Our people are suffering because we don’t have a functional health facility,” Commissioner Johnson said. “Despite our own efforts to clean the grounds and donate materials, the government has turned a blind eye.”
He added that appeals to District #5 Representative, Augustine B. Chiewolo have so far gone unanswered, deepening frustration among the residents. “We are tired of empty promises. We are calling on Senator Momo T. Cyrus and Hon. Chiewolo to prioritize our community before more lives are lost,” he declared.
The people of Zolowo are appealing to central government, development partners, and lawmakers to treat the situation as a national emergency.
With 2026 drawing closer, they warn that continued neglect could have severe social and political consequences.
“Our bridge is falling, our road is crumbling, our clinic is abandoned—how much more should we endure?” asked one community elder. “We need help, and we need it now.”
Edited by Esau J. Farr |Sub-Editor
