Rural Residents Alarm Over Delay Of Douta Bridge Construction In Bong County

By Jangar Boimah Johnson

Residents of Douta, Electoral District #2, Bong County have voiced out their concerns about the prolonged delay of the construction of their Bridge

Bouta Bridge, which connects major towns in Bong County is a project undertaken by Representative James Kolleh since 2022.

 The site of the bridge project, community members say poses threats the movement of residents, mainly children due to the unsaved nature of the open pit. 

Initially welcomed by residents of the district, the bridge project has now become a concern due to insecurity pose by the open water-filled pit.

Locals said during the rainy season, they usually experience flooding they believe is caused by the incompletion of the bridge project.

During a visit by the Rural Reporters News Network (RRNN) on October 2, 2025, residents voiced out their frustrations about the delay and called for a swift intervention by national government and development organizations/individuals.

“The district lawmaker broke ground for construction of the Douta bridge in early 2022, which he started the work, and citizens were happy for the project, but it has now turned the other way because of the delay to complete bridge”, some residents told RRNN.

Residents want Representative Kolleh to tell them why the bridge project has delayed since he broke ground in 2022.

When contacted for comment, the Chief of Staff in the office of Representative James Kolleh, Emmanuel Gatie, dismissed claims of delay and said the project is on course, but experiencing some little delays. He assured the citizens that the project will be completed and turn over to the community.

When completed, the Douta bridge is expected to connect towns and villages in the district and improve trade and transportation.