By Ben TC Brooks| River Gee Correspondent
River Gee County | April 9, 2026 | Two major youth-focused development projects launched in River Gee County are drawing public mixed reactions due to lack of blueprint and cost of implementation, raising concerns about inadequate planning and transparency.
The projects initiated by district 1 Representative Alexander Poure, include the construction of a mini sports pitch in Gbeapo, Kanweaken, the county’s commercial center, and a multipurpose youth center in Fish-Town, the capital of River Gee County.
Both projects were officially launched on Monday, April 6, 2026, with groundbreaking ceremonies. However, the absence of the architectural designs, cost estimates, and implementation timelines at the time of launch has raised eyebrows among citizens and stakeholders.
Speaking during the ceremonies, Rep. Poure acknowledged the gaps in preparation, noting that key project documents are still pending. “By this weekend, or early next week, the blueprint will arrive in the county, which will determine the cost and duration for each of the projects,” he told journalists.
The admission has fueled concerns about the level of preparedness and transparency surrounding the initiatives. Residents say launching projects without clear technical and financial frameworks could undermine their credibility and long-term success.
Despite these concerns, the projects have been widely welcomed as long-overdue investments in youth empowerment and infrastructure in the county.
The River Gee Chapter of the Liberia Football Association – LFA, through its chairman Roland Jarka Doe, commended the initiative. “We look forward to seeing the blueprint. If necessary, we can provide input before work begins. However, we appreciate the effort to think about the LFA and the young people of River Gee County,” Doe said.
Similarly, the proposed multipurpose youth center in Fish-Town is expected to serve as a central hub for youth engagement and regional collaboration.
Local youth leaders envision the facility hosting offices for key organizations, including the Mano River Union Parliament, the Federation of Liberian Youth, the Liberia National Student Union, and the Association of River Gee Youth and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Plans under discussion also include a conference hall and recreational spaces.
These proposals also align with longstanding concerns raised by a group of young people under the banner “One River Gee Youth” recently submitted to Liberia’s Youth and Sports Minister, Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah, during her visit regarding the lack of adequate youth facilities in the county.
While expressing appreciation for the initiative, youth leaders urged authorities to adopt a more inclusive and consultative approach before construction progresses. Youth leader Prince Netus Weadutus emphasized the importance of dialogue.
“Let us sit at a roundtable and agree on how we want the project before construction begins,” he appealed.
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