The Opposition CMC has Condemned the Government's Refusal to Support a Citizen-led Infrastructure Development in Bong County

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The opposition Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), led by Nimba County Electoral District #7 Representative Musa Hassan Bility, has expressed deep disappointment over the Ministry of Public Works’ recent rejection of their proposal to construct a 38-meter state-of-the-art bridge in Bong County.

The project, which CMC claims is fully driven by the community and technically sound, aims to improve rural connectivity, boost economic activity, and enhance the daily lives of citizens in Bong County. The party asserts that these residents have endured the negative effects of inadequate public infrastructure development for decades.

“Liberia is still a country where communities face challenges due to poor roads, unsafe crossings, and underdeveloped infrastructure, despite years of promises. When citizens and civil society take the initiative to address these infrastructure gaps, the government should respond with collaboration rather than obstruction,” stated National Chairman James M. V. Yougie.

“While CMC appreciates the Ministry’s acknowledgment of the submitted technical document and its stated plan for government-led construction, its response reflects a troubling pattern of bureaucratic resistance that undermines citizen-driven initiatives.”

According to CMC, the Ministry of Public Works advises that future requests for bridge construction should include a site topography report, a geotechnical investigation report, a hydrological and hydraulic report, structural analysis and design, and complete working drawings.

However, CMC clarifies that these technical requirements were not requested during the initial engagement when all technical documents requested by the Ministry were submitted.

“The CMC is a political party focused on community engagement, aiming to promote sustainable development through active citizen participation. Its proposed bridge project in Bong County adhered to all technical and ethical standards, including environmental and structural considerations,” the statement added.

According to the party, the intention behind this initiative is not to compete with government programs but to complement, aligning with national development priorities and addressing urgent needs in underserved areas.

CMC said: “It is disheartening that in a country where many rural communities lack basic infrastructure, a citizen-driven effort to mobilize resources and technical expertise for a bridge project has been rejected under the guise of bureaucratic review especially when residents risk their lives crossing unsafe waterways daily.”

CMC expresses concern regarding “the Ministry's recent claim of a "planned" project with an alleged "budgetary allocation" is puzzling, particularly since no such claim was made just two weeks ago when it asked the CMC to submit the technical documents for its proposed project for consideration.”

This claim, CMC says raises questions about when the claimed "budgetary allocation" was made and leads to the conclusion that the request was denied simply because it originated from the CMC, an opposition political party.

The CMC urges the Ministry of Public Works and the Government of Liberia to adopt a collaborative governance approach that recognizes political and civic organizations, along with other well-meaning Liberians, as partners in development rather than adversaries.

The party said history has shown that Liberia's progress cannot depend solely on budgetary allocations; it requires active citizen engagement and joint accountability.

“The need is significant, and while this bridge project has been turned down, many others still require intervention. The CMC will continue to engage with citizens, offer assistance when called upon, and advocate for transparent, responsive, and participatory governance that allows Liberians to take part in rebuilding their nation, especially in rural areas,” CMC concluded.