By Methuselah Gaye
ITI, River Cess County – Liberia’s Minister of Public Works, Hon. Roland Giddings, has disclosed the government’s plan to construct a new Bailey bridge over the Cestos River in ITI, a move aimed at replacing the aging iron structure that has served the area for decades.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, May 27, during a brief but significant ceremony marking the official reopening of the Cestos River Bridge, which had been under repair following its partial collapse in late 2024.
Minister Giddings emphasized that the current bridge, though rehabilitated, has “outlived its usefulness” and no longer meets the growing demands of transportation and commerce in the region. He confirmed that the government has entered into an agreement with Jupiter Construction Company—a local firm with a proven track record, having recently rebuilt the Timbo River Bridge—to undertake the construction of a new, more durable Bailey bridge.
“The Ministry has taken steps to ensure a more permanent solution to the infrastructure needs here in ITI,” Minister Giddings stated. “We are committed to delivering a stronger, longer-lasting bridge that will serve this county well into the future.”
The Cestos River Bridge suffered a major collapse on December 29, 2024, disrupting transport and posing major challenges for commuters, traders, and emergency services. After weeks of targeted reconstruction work on key sections of the bridge, the Ministry has reopened the crossing for public use.
Despite the repairs, Giddings issued a stern warning regarding the structural limits of the bridge in its current form. He stated that vehicles exceeding 25 tons are strictly prohibited from using the bridge to avoid further damage.
“I am calling on all residents and local security forces to be vigilant,” he urged. “This bridge is critical to your livelihoods, and we need collective effort to protect it until the new structure is completed.”
Minister Giddings also appealed to local authorities and citizens to cooperate with the Ministry’s enforcement mechanisms, noting that the safety and longevity of the bridge depend on strict adherence to load limits.
As the government prepares for the construction of the new bridge, residents of ITI and surrounding communities have expressed cautious optimism. While the bridge’s reopening has eased movement for now, many are hopeful that the upcoming project will provide a more permanent and safe solution for one of the region’s most vital transport links.
The Ministry of Public Works has not yet released a definitive timeline for the start and completion of the new bridge.
