By: Henry B. Gboluma, Jr. | Gbarpolu Correspondent
Godoma Town, Bopolu District | January 23, 2026| Citizens of Godoma Town, with support from the Local County Administration, applauded BAO CHICO Iron Ore Mining Company for rehabilitating Godoma Town’s road as part of the company’s annual Corporate Social Responsibilities program.
The road was officially turned over to the community on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in Godoma Town.
Deddeh Sirleaf, Assistant Town Official of Bomboma Town, welcomed attendees and thanked the local authorities for delivering a road that now reaches Godoma Town.
“This road reaching Godoma Town is good for our people.”
She added a call for the road to extend farther: “We are asking that this road reach River bank.” She believes that extending to the St. Paul River bank between Gbarpolu and Bong Counties would greatly benefit many communities along the route.
Youth Leader of Bombom Clan, Kenneth Tourpe, expressed gratitude and a hope for sustained effort. He said that these Chinese are difficult to work with but at least, they told us that they would do it, and today we are happy.
For Chief Elder Sao Burphy acknowledged past hardships and urged ongoing support: “For too long we suffered on this road. By the grace of God and our local government, this road has entered here. May God grant you all long life to keep helping us.”
Clan Chief of Bombom Clan, Francis Chowooe, “Through your work, we can see this road. Do not stop; keep engaging us to ensure connection to River bank.”
Paramount Chief of Gungbaya Chiefdom, Johnson Dannah, highlighted broader needs while requesting an extension. He said, “Our people are suffering; we beg for the road to reach the River bank. Please also address drinking water and schooling in Godoma Town.”
The request to reach St. Paul River Ben was echoed by other leaders, who stressed water accessibility and education improvements for Godoma Town.
Gbarpolu County Council Chairperson, Lucia Massaquoi, joined in thanking local authorities and BAO CHICO, urging continued dialogue with the company: “Keep helping our people; even small progress matters, and today we have seen that.”
Commissioner Justina V. Dukuly commended the women, youth, and local authorities, calling for unity to drive development: “Let us pray for our leaders,” so that their words translate into actions.
Additionally, County Administrative Officer James Kpoto Scott reminded everyone, especially the Company that keeping people happy helps sustain projects: “BAO CHICO, if you keep making the people happy, they will keep making you happy.” He praised the community for contributing their labor during to the rehabilitation.
Superintendent Sam Zinnah thanked BAO CHICO for listening and acting: “We know the difficulties you faced to reach here. The results speak for themselves.” He emphasized the road’s importance for local markets and pledged ongoing collaboration to ensure safe access and maintenance.
He said they his office and the Gbarpolu County Legislative Caucus will continue to engage the company for the interest and request of the people can be met gradually.
Speaking on behalf of the Company, Zhang Guo An, Site Manager for BAO CHICO, conveyed through interpreter Abdul Kamara said, “We will continue working with this county in the best interests of affected communities,” he said. “As iron production grows, we will do more for community development.”
The road work began on January 5, 2026 and concluded on January 21, 2026, with turnover on January 22 marking a milestone for Godoma Town and surrounding areas.
Citizens’ key ongoing request is for the local authorities to maintain engagement with BAO CHICO so that the road can extend from Godoma Town to the River bank; the boundary between Gbarpolu and Bong Counties.
The community believes that continued collaboration will unlock further improvements, including water access and schooling, and will support broader regional connectivity.
