GBARNGA, Liberia — A heated confrontation marked the dedication ceremony of a new bridge linking Gbarmue and neighboring towns to the lucrative gold mining region of Jackson Village in Bong County’s third district, as Representative Josiah Marvin Cole openly disrupted the event due to feelings of exclusion.
The ceremony, scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025, was organized by Huiren Mining Company, with Administrative Manager Daniel Toe confirming that the county’s leadership had been informed five days prior to the event. However, tensions escalated when Representative Cole, feeling unjustly overlooked, interrupted the proceedings, asserting that he had not been informed or invited in his capacity as the local representative.
This bridge was constructed following a tumultuous period marked by protests from local residents. In an act of defiance, community members allegedly burned down the previous wooden bridge to prevent Huiren Mining Company from accessing the mining sites, alleging that the company had failed to fulfill the terms of a memorandum of understanding previously established between the parties involved.
The discord was ultimately mediated by Superintendent Norris and Representative Cole, who facilitated a new agreement between the mining company and the affected communities. This new accord included various developmental projects, such as the construction of the bridge, a school, and a clinic, aimed at addressing the grievances of the residents.
Initially, the bridge was intended to be a concrete structure. However, due to time constraints and adverse weather conditions, the company opted to construct a temporary “Iron Bridge,” promising that the agreed concrete bridge would be completed within the five-year concession period.
The disruption during the ceremony has ignited a fierce debate within Bong County. Many residents have expressed their frustration towards Representative Cole for his conduct, while others have criticized Superintendent Norris for allegedly disrespecting the lawmaker by not extending an invitation to him.
As the situation unfolds, some residents have reported that Representative Cole has already set a future date for the bridge’s dedication ceremony—a move that may leave Superintendent Norris absent from the event.
his confrontation highlights ongoing tensions in Bong County, as both residents and officials grapple with the challenges of accountability, communication, and cooperation in the face of regional development. As the community looks forward to further developments, the focus remains on whether the agreements will be honored and the bridge will serve its intended purpose of connecting the region to vital resources and opportunities.
