House of Representatives Initiates Investigation into Deteriorating St. John Bridge Connecting Bong and Grand Bassa Counties

Monrovia, Liberia: The House of Representatives has initiated a formal investigation into the deplorable state of the St. John Bridge, a vital link between Bong and Grand Bassa Counties, following growing safety concerns and recent fatalities.

The move comes after Bong County District #1 Representative Prince Koinah sounded the alarm on the bridge’s deteriorating condition during plenary.

Representative Koinah highlighted the bridge’s dual importance — not only as a daily transit route for thousands of residents but also as a major artery for ArcelorMittal Liberia’s ore transport to the port city of Buchanan.

“The St. John Bridge has become a death trap,” Rep. Koinah warned, referencing multiple casualties linked to its hazardous state. “Despite its economic and social significance, the government has yet to take any meaningful steps to rehabilitate it.”

In response, the plenary of the House of Representatives has instructed its joint committees on Public Works, Investment and Concessions, Ways, Means and Finance, and Internal Affairs to immediately investigate the situation.

The probe will also examine whether concession companies operating in the region — including ArcelorMittal — have fulfilled their infrastructure responsibilities as mandated by their agreements.

The joint committee’s findings are expected to be presented to the House plenary in the coming weeks.

The St. John Bridge has long been a critical infrastructure point for both public travel and Liberia’s extractive industry.

Its current condition has sparked concern among locals and lawmakers alike, raising questions about government oversight and corporate accountability in infrastructure maintenance.