By: Emmanuel Koffa |Grand Kru County Correspondent
Barclayville, Grand Kru County —Thursday, Nov. 13,2025— The Ministry of Public Works has concluded a one-day consultative meeting with local government officials, chiefs, and traditional leaders in Grand Kru County aimed at finalizing discussions on the removal of graves and traditional sites situated along the 50-kilometer road corridor earmarked for pavement.
The meeting, held at the County Administration Building in Barclayville, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Public Works, the Office of the Superintendent, chiefs, elders, and other local stakeholders.
The engagement formed part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to ensure community participation and cooperation in the government’s infrastructure development drive.
Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Albert Toukolon, Assistant Minister for Rural Development at the Ministry of Public Works, said the purpose of the gathering was to reach a mutual understanding with community leaders regarding the relocation of cultural and traditional sites that lie within the road project area.
He emphasized that the ministry’s success in implementing the project largely depends on the collaboration and consent of the affected communities.
“We cannot move forward without the full involvement of the local people,” Toukolon said. “Their cooperation is key to ensuring that this development benefits everyone without disrespecting cultural values.”
Assistant Minister Toukolon disclosed that the ministry has provided US$3,000 to local leaders to support the relocation process of the identified graves and traditional sites along the project corridor.
Meanwhile, local chiefs and elders at the meeting pledged their full cooperation to ensure the smooth execution of the project.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional leaders, Grand Kru County Chief Council Chair, Jeleh Doe, encouraged his colleagues to embrace development and support the government’s infrastructure initiatives.
“We are ready to work with the Ministry of Public Works,” Chief Doe stated. “Development cannot happen without some level of sacrifice, and we are committed to ensuring that this project goes on successfully.”
Also speaking during the event, Superintendent Antoinette Worwlee Nimely lauded the Ministry of Public Works for its visit to Grand Kru County and praised President Joseph Boakai’s administration for prioritizing the county in its road development agenda.
“We are grateful to President Boakai for the attention given to Grand Kru, especially in the area of roads,” Superintendent Nimely remarked. “Improved road connectivity will greatly enhance trade, transportation, and access to basic services for our people.”
The meeting marks a significant step toward advancing the pavement project, which is expected to boost economic activities and ease travel between communities in Grand Kru County once completed.
