By Henry Gboluma
BOPOLU CITY, Gbarpolu–In a climate of frustration and urgency, Gbarpolu County Superintendent, Sam K. Zinnah has raised alarms over the three earth-moving machines recently acquired by the county.
Purchased at a staggering cost of $425,000, the machines, intended for road rehabilitation, have been marred by controversy since their arrival in April 2024. “Those machines were purchased before we came in,” Zinnah stated at a regional media conference in November 2024.
He said, “When we came, we realized that the machines arrived at the port and overstepped their stay. The storage cost went over $160,000, and they ended up being abandoned by the contractor.”
Superintendent Zinnah recounted the difficulties faced in securing the equipment. “We fought hard to get these machines here in Bopolu City, but it is disheartening to know that there are questions surrounding them.”
One of the primary concerns, he said, is the lack of identifiable brand names on the machinery, which he described as a significant red flag.
“To get the machines out of the port, we had to bring in a mechanic. After we finally got it started, it couldn’t go into gear. If something goes wrong with these machines, where are we going to get the parts? These machines were paid for one hundred percent; what if the contractor supplied substandard equipment? Our money is gone.”
In light of these concerns, the county administration has decided to engage appropriate agencies for a thorough technical assessment of the machines.
“We parked the machines so that the vendor can fulfill their responsibilities while we engage the appropriate agencies or institutions to conduct a thorough technical assessment, ensuring the machines will function properly for the county,” he stated.
In the course of reporting this story, the vendor, City Lion Company, directed us to the members of the Project Management Committee (PMC).
Fortunately, PMC Treasurer Samolu Kanneh acknowledged the problem regarding the missing brand names.
“It is the vendor’s duty to label the machines with their brand name,” he said, “Since the machines have not yet been officially turned over to the county, we will request that the vendor add the brand name before they can be handed over along with the necessary documentation.”
He also mentioned that they are in communication with the vendor, who has indicated his disengagement since the machines left the port without his involvement, despite the vendor’s initial inability to release them from the port after receiving them from China.
The machines were ultimately released by the current county administration in collaboration with the port authority.
Meanwhile, Senator Botoe Kanneh, Chairperson of the Gbarpolu County Legislative Caucus, also voiced her support for a technical assessment. “I visited the machines and noticed that they do have brand names on them,” she clarified, advocating for due diligence before the machines are put to use.
She said, “Our people of Gbarpolu should be patient and allow us to work in the interest of Gbarpolu Count”, Senator said, adding, “rushing to use these machines without proper assessment would not be beneficial.”
The backdrop of this controversy is the substantial investment made for these machines, totaling US$425,000, funded by the County and Social Development Funds (CSDF).
The people of Gbarpolu through the former administration, led by Superintendent J. Kayak Saah and the outgoing PMC headed by Robert Benda, had envisioned these machines as pivotal for road rehabilitation across six administrative districts, including the landlocked Guo Nwolaila District and the hard-to-reach Kongba, Belle, and Bokomu Districts.
Commenting, the head of the CSO, Lydia Ballah said in light of these developments, it is good for the people of Gbarpolu to understand the importance of investing in reliable equipment.
She said that the recent approval of substantial funds for road construction equipment reflects a critical need for improved infrastructure in the county.
Subsequently, she said that as Superintendent Zinnah and Senator Kanneh advocate for thorough assessments, the county must recognize that this process is not just about immediate fixes but about ensuring long-term benefits.
Meanwhile, several callers on the local radio in Bopolu believe that the approval of funds for these machines symbolizes hope for better connectivity and economic opportunities in Gbarpolu.
They are with the high hope that the new administration will prioritize the interests of the county, ensuring that investments translate into tangible improvements.
They believe that the road to progress may be rocky, but with patience and vigilance, the people of Gbarpolu can look forward to a more connected and prosperous future.
