“Hon. Ivar K. Jones Launches $100K Footpath Bridge Project in Margibi County”

Margibi County Liberia: in a major step toward enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in the county, Margibi second district representative, Hon. Ivar K. Jones officially broke ground for the construction of a modern footpath bridge. 

                       By: Emmanuel Kangar

The project, which will link Dolo Town to other communities is being financed through the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment ( LACE ). In Liberia, USD $100,000 is given to every Lawmaker ( Representative ) when a budget is passed for constituents developmental purposes.

The bridge, valued at over USD $35,000, is expected to kick-off in early February 2025. The development addresses long-standing challenges faced by residents, traders, and commuters who have had to navigate treacherous and often impassable footpaths, particularly during the rainy season when flooding and erosion pose significant hazards.

For years now, the residents of Dolo Town, Sam Town, and neighboring areas have struggled with difficult terrain, making daily travel a challenge. The new bridge promises to provide a safer and more efficient route, improving the well-being of schoolchildren, traders, and locals who depend on this vital path. The bridge will also enhance access to essential services such as healthcare and education, particularly for the children who have to cross the dangerous routes to attend school.

Beyond safety improvements, the bridge is expected to foster economic growth in the region by facilitating trade. A stable and direct connection between the towns will enhance the movement of goods and services, opening up new opportunities for small business owners and farmers, thereby boosting local commerce.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Hon. Jones expressed his gratitude to the central government and the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) for their support in bringing the project to fruition. He emphasized his commitment to addressing the infrastructural needs of District #2, ensuring that projects such as the foot path bridge receive the necessary attention.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by funding reductions but reassured the public that the project would be completed, as it was essential to the community’s growth and well-being.

The groundbreaking ceremony was well attended by local leaders and residents, all of whom expressed their excitements and supports for the project. Dolo Town Wall Chairman, David Mulbah recalled the struggles the people have faced with the difficult travel conditions and welcomed the new initiative as a positive development. Samuel Doe, a resident in the area added that the bridge would greatly ease access to vital services.

For her part, Unification City Mayoress, Madam Judeh Smith, thanked Hon. Jones for his efforts and urged the communities to work together in protecting the new bridge. She also called on the people of District #2 to put aside political differences and focus on the district's growth and development.

The project’s chief engineer, Mr. Francisc Kings, assured the residents that the bridge would be completed within four months and would be built to accommodate motorbikes, further enhancing its utility for the local population.

With the construction of this vital bridge, District #2 is set to experience significant improvements in safety, accessibility, and economic opportunity, marking a new chapter in the region’s development.