By Henry Gboluma
KPEYEALLAH TOWN, Gbarpolu-A bridge construction in the isolated Guo Nwolaila of Gbarpolu County is set to end the long years’ travelling nightmares for over 30,000 inhabitants. Guo Nwolaila District is an Island District, located in Electoral District #2 and connects Gbarpolu to Bong County.
The district has been isolated for many years due lack of bridge over the St. Paul River that connects the district to the rest of Gbarpolu County and Bong County. Walking by foot and motorcycles have been the only alternative to access the only government-run health facility in the area.
The bridge project is funded by the Liberian government through the National Road Fund and implemented by the Arrow Group Construction Company. Construction is expected to last for 24-month.
The commencement of the construction of the long-awaited bridge over the St. Paul River has created a deep sense of relief and hope in the minds of the people-once isolated and made to go through some of life’s worst traveling experiences.
Cianta Gray, affectionately called Mama Gee, a resilient businesswoman stands at the riverside, perhaps with a heavy heart on their daily struggles, could not hold her impression. “We feel fine because we are suffering. Our life is at risk,” she shares, her voice trembling with emotion”, Madam Gray recounted their struggles.
She continues: “we are praying to God that the bridge construction works for us.” For years, Mama Gee and her fellow travelers have depended on canoes to cross the river, often paying 100 Liberian Dollars per person and additional fees for their goods.
“When this bridge is fixed, we can cross any time,” she said while thanking the Liberian government for the project.
Emmanuel Cooper, a local motorcyclist, adds a layer of urgency to the narrative.
“In 2017, a canoe capsized with me in this water, and God saved my life,” he recalls, visibly shaken. “When God does not agree on anything, it can’t happen. But today, we are seeing a light.”
Emmanuel expresses his appreciation for the government’s efforts, particularly for the cyclists who bravely navigate the treacherous waters.
Another cyclist, Jallah Sumo said that for a long time, they have not seen this happening here. According to him, since Liberia was founded, this is the first time they are seeing the government start to build a bridge over this river to connect Gbarpolu and Bong Counties.
“We have been crying for help regarding this bridge,” Elder Samuel Pardmore from Kpayeakwelleh town reflects on the long struggle for change.
“Guo Nwolaila is landlocked, surrounded by rivers,” he said the Via River is from Lofa end, the St. Paul River to the Bong County end, while internally the Tuma River is from Bokomu District end. So, to enter Guo Nwolaila District, you must cross one of them using canoes.
Now, he said that he sees the bridge being built, like a “miracle.” As a result, Elder Pardmore said that the entire district has pledged support, promising to contribute food and tokens of appreciation for the workers.
The Youth Chairman emphasizes the ongoing reliance on canoes despite progress. “Since 1847, we have been promised a bridge,” he said. “Now, to see workers on the site is a surprise and a joy. Every year, people drown in this water, but today marks a turning point.”
Chairlady Korpo Freeman expresses her gratitude, saying, “thank you to the president and the builders of this bridge”. She said that not only the adults, but their children suffer to cross the river, but now they have begun to see hope.
Madam Kprpo dreams of a time when her children can easily visit her and access opportunities in Monrovia.
Mose Kenekene, the Town Chief, “Since I was born, this is the first time we have seen such work here in Liberia. This bridge will open up our district,” he explains. “Our major problem has been the lack of roads, but this project will pave the way for future construction.”
Nonetheless, the challenges are far from over. Briama Koroma, the officer in charge at the Kpayeakwelleh Clinic, highlights the dire health implications of the lack of road infrastructure. “Transferring critically ill patients is a nightmare,” he admits, noting that the clinic struggles with limited resources.
“Motorcycles are often our only means to get patients to the St. Paul River, where they can access ambulances in Bong County. Our healthcare system is under severe strain, “OIC Koroma explained.
Despite the project being described as the rehabilitation of the Kpeyeallah Bridge, it is, in fact, a new endeavor, as no bridge has existed at this location before.
As the construction progresses, the residents of Guo Nwolaila District cling to their hopes for a brighter future, one where access to healthcare, commerce, and community connection can flourish.
The bridge construction is in fulfilment of President Boakai’s dream to connect Gbarpolu and Bong Counties via the St. Paul River. During the 2017 campaign, President Boakia, then Standard-bearer of Unity Party dedicated a river ferry worth over US70,000 over the St. Paul River.
The bridge project represents not just a physical structure, but a lifeline that promises to transform the lives of the people of Gbarpolu and Bong Counties.
