Gbarnga, Bong County ~ The Government of Liberia has denied the Citizens Movement For Change (CMC) permission to proceed with the construction of a 38-meter bridge in Gbarnga, Bong County, citing plans already in place for the project under the Ministry of Public Works.
In an official letter dated November 4, 2025, and addressed to Mr. James M. V. Yougie National Chairman of CMC, Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings acknowledged receipt of the company’s design documents but explained that the government has already budgeted for the same bridge project.
“We wish to inform you that the Government of Liberia, through a budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Public Works, has plans for the construction of the subject bridge and is in the process of finalizing all technical documents for the procurement of a contractor,” the letter stated.
Minister Giddings also provided technical guidelines for any future proposals by CMC or other private entities seeking to construct bridge structures. These include a site topography study, geotechnical investigation, hydrological and hydraulic reports, structural analysis and design, and full working drawings.
Despite the ministry’s acknowledgment of CMC’s initiative, the decision has sparked criticism from some political and development analysts, who argue that the government’s move could be politically motivated and may delay much-needed infrastructure development in the region.
“This could have been an opportunity for private-public collaboration to fast-track rural development,” one analyst commented. “Blocking such initiatives sends the wrong message about government priorities.”
The bridge in question was proposed to improve transportation and economic connectivity in Gbarnga, a key commercial hub in central Liberia. Residents have long complained about poor road access, especially during the rainy season.
While the Ministry of Public Works has assured that the project remains part of its national infrastructure plan, no timeline has yet been provided for when construction will begin.
