Abandoned CDA Projects Raise Concerns Among Community Members in River Gee

Ben TC Brooks

River Gee County | October 9, 2025 | Rural Reporters New Network has observed growing concerns among community members in River Gee County over the abandonment of several infrastructure projects funded under the County Development Agenda (CDA) initiative.

Numerous infrastructure projects, ranging from police depots to commissioner compounds and immigration service offices are seen lying in ruins, raising serious concerns about waste and abuse of public funds.

Projects funded under the CDA was part of the broader Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) introduced in 2008 during the administration of then President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Among others, the CDA aimed to strengthen governance, improve public service delivery, and fosters post-war recovery in rural communities.

Local residents and community leaders are demanding a comprehensive audit of the CDA funding with the aim to seek clarity on how public funds were spent and why so many critical projects were left incomplete.

“This is not just a waste of money, it’s a betrayal of our trust,” said James Wesseh, a youth leader, of Tienpo Wooloken. “These projects were supposed to bring development, security, and government closer to the people. Instead, we’re left with empty buildings and unanswered questions.”

Key challenges highlighted by government officials are limited access to certain rural areas, particularly during the rainy season, which hampers travelling in rural communities and mobilization of workforce. But critics have argued that remoteness should not be used as a justification for the nearly two decades of stagnation of key projects.

Civil society actors are calling for a full independent investigation into the abandoned projects, arguing that accountability is not just to identify persons responsible for mismanagement, but to restore public trust in development programs.

“The County Development Agenda was built on the voices of the people. We told the government what we needed. To see those needs ignored after all these years is heartbreaking,” said Mary Kieh, a women’s leader in Glarro District. “We need answers, and more importantly, we need action.”