By: Henry B. Gboluma, Jr.| Gbarpolu County Correspondent
Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County-August 24, 2025 — The Gbarpolu County Council has approved the 2025 Development Budget totaling $706,000 USD.
This amount is sourced from the approved 2025 national budget, which includes allocations for county and social development funds.
The plan, prepared by the County Administration and presented to the Council on July 30, 2025, was refined through a robust public hearing and adopted by the County Council on August 22, 2025, in full compliance with Liberia’s Local Government Act.
In April, each of the six districts engaged in meaningful consultations, identifying three priority projects per district. These district-driven priorities form the backbone of the county’s development agenda for 2025.
The budget hearing showcased the community’s voice, with the County Development Officer Olu Nangbah Normanlee confirming that district priorities were consolidated and submitted for approval, ensuring that local needs drive county investments.
Leadership endorsement
County Council Chairperson Lucia Massaquoi reaffirmed that the approved budget lays the groundwork for effective implementation across all six districts, anchoring development in real, on-the-ground needs.
The 2025 Development Budget prioritizes education, health, infrastructure, and community development, with six district projects at the core:
1) Guo Nwolailai District: Construction of a modern Vocational School in Palaquelleh Town — $75,000.00
2) Bokomu District: Construction of a modern Clinic in Zelekai Town — $55,000.00
3) Belle District: Construction of a modern Clinic in Kalata Town — $70,000.00
4) Kongba District: Construction of a modern Junior High School in Zuie Town — $85,000.00
5) Gbarma District: Renovation of the Gbarma Statutory District Administrative Building in Gbarma — $75,000.00
6) Bopolu District: Construction of Godoma Bridge in Gungbayah Chiefdom— $75,000.00
Beyond district projects, the budget reinforces essential public services and facilities outlined below:
Fuel for Emirates Hospital Ambulances $10,000.00
Drugs Revolving Funds and opening of three (3) Clinics (Zuie, Norman and Kologbani Clinics) $ 25,000.00
Financial aid for Gbarpolu Students $20,000.00
Support to volunteer teachers $6,000.00
Outstanding Expense owed to Sen. Amara Konneh $4,000.00
Support to Voice of Gbarpolu $9,000.00
Western Cluster Development Fund for the affected community $104,000.00
MIA Training and Development $2,000.00
Support to MIA volunteers $3,616.00
Also, the County Council also approved 39,000.00 for the renovation of the Gbarpolu County Administrative Building. The fund is intended to modernize and improve county administration, ensuring efficient service delivery to residents of the county.
On the other hand, the County Council debated the proposed budget allocation to the Bopolu City Hall renovation and subsequently voted to defer the Bopolu City Hall renovation to the 2026 budget period due to the limited funds.
“The adoption of the 2025 Development Budget is a clear testament to the County Council’s dedication to listening to the citizens, prioritizing critical needs, and delivering tangible improvements,” said County Council Chairperson Lucia Massaquoi. “With six district priority projects at the core, coupled with other public service allocations, we are laying a strong foundation for shared progress and lasting benefits for all communities in Gbarpolu.”
Note: Figures reflect the approved 2025 development allocations.