By: Henry Gboluma | Gbarpolu County Correspondent
Dorkota, Guo Nwolailai District | May 17, 2026 |Construction work on the new bailey iron bridge over the Tuma River in Gbarpolu County has resumed after a brief delay caused by a missing phone belonging to a Chinese engineer supervising the project.
The incident happened on May 13, 2026, in Dorkota, Guo Nwolailai District.
Community members said the engineer had been moved to a quieter guesthouse after complaints about noise at his previous location.
According to local residents, the engineer later stepped outside to rest, fell asleep, and discovered that his phone was missing when he woke up.
The missing device reportedly contained installation manuals and a translation application used for communication with local workers.
Chief Elder Charles S. Mulbah Sr. said the situation worried many residents because they feared it could affect progress on the important bridge project.
District Commissioner Milton Gartee confirmed that community members searched several areas for the phone but could not immediately locate it.
Despite the challenge, work on the bridge continued the following day. Abel D. Flomo explained that the construction team quickly adjusted by using remote communication to support the Chinese engineer.
Mr. Flomo said the engineer was sent by the factory to supervise the installation of the new bridge design, which includes special features different from traditional bailey bridges.
“We are almost at the final stage. The launching nose is in place, and we expect to finish within the next week,” Mr. Flomo said during a site interview on May 16, 2026.
He thanked the local community for supporting the project and encouraged anyone with information about the missing phone to come forward so work can continue smoothly.
The bridge project is being carried out by Arrow Group of Companies with support from the Liberian Government through the Ministry of Public Works.
Once completed, the bridge will improve transportation, trade, and movement between Bokomu District and Guo Nwolailai District, bringing important development opportunities to communities in Gbarpolu Electoral District Number Two.
