By Ben TC Brooks
RIVER GEE COUNTY-Nov. 22, 2024 -The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) has completed assessment of a damage log bridge over River Nur in the Southeast. The assessment comes following report by Ben TC Brooks of the Rural Reporters News Network (RRNN).
Among many options under consideration, the government says it is contemplating to replace the damaged log bridge with an Iron (bailey) Bridge. The River Nur bridge connects three counties in the Southeast, Grand Kru, Sinoe and River Gee. The bridge was constructed in 2017. In September 2024, the bridge sunk due to a heavy downpour of rain, stalling traffic on the road corridor that links a densely populated gold mining community of Tienpo Nyonken.
Due to the outcry of citizens, followed by a publication by RRNN, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Public Works recently did an assessment of the bridge, and said it is considering replacing the damaged log bridge with a solid iron bridge to avoid the reoccurrence of the collapse of the bridge.
Speaking to the press, MPW’s assessment team led by Rev. J. Henry Baysah said he could not outrightly assure the construction of a baily bridge, but hinted that the situation calls for the construction of a more durable bridge and this would be his recommendation to the authorities.
“We only came to do assessment of the damaged bridge and we are taking the report to our bosses at the ministry for proper planning and they will tell the time to start the construction because a construction of any other bridge is cost intensive and requires more planning and more resources for a constructed solid iron bridge”. He concluded.
For his part, River Gee County Superintendent, Mike Swengbe who accompanied the MPW’s assessment team along with some of his local leaders including Chiefs and Elders, said the bridge will serve as a link to major communities and brings relief to the people of the district. He said when completed, the bridge will make significant impact on the lives of citizens residing in the district.
