River Gee: US$650k Fish-Town City Hall construction abandoned

By Ben TC Brooks

The construction works at the Fish-Town City Hall, valued at US$650,000, has been abandoned in River Gee County, causing disappointment and frustration among locals in that part of the country.

The project was intended to create a central location for local government activities, as well as to enhance civic participation, ultimately improving the administration of Fish-Town and nearby areas.

The Fish-Town City Hall project was initiated in March 2023, as part of a larger effort to upgrade infrastructure in River Gee County.

Funded through a presidential initiative and being executed by the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), it was meant to become a milestone for the county.

Despite high expectations initially expressed my many regarding the swift pace at which construction works began, the project was abandoned due to several complications including alleged financial mismanagement and the electoral defeat to former President George Weah whose administration initiated the city hall project.

The abrupt halt in construction works has led to widespread disappointment in the county, with citizens and residents expressing frustration over the situation.

Many are calling on local authorities to address issues regarding the abandonment of the Fish Town City Hall construction, by pursuing ways in which the project can be speedily revived.

“We require transparency and accountability from our leaders. The residents of Fish-Town deserve a city hall that aligns with our ambitions and aids our progress,” a representative for youth in River Gee, Patrick Weah, told Rural Reporters News Network (RRNN) in a recent interview.

In response to the situation, local authorities are in talks to explore possible paths to resume construction works on the project.

“We are dedicated to finding a solution,” River Gee County Superintendent, Mike Swengbe, told RRNN, indicating that “Though the setback is discouraging, we remain hopeful that, with joint efforts, we can realize our vision for a city hall.”

Meanwhile, in River Gee County, there are still numerous unfinished government projects including the County Executive Guest House, construction of the 14th Judicial Circuit Court, the Tienpo Administrative District Building, and the Glarro Administrative District Commissioner Compound, among others.