GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY — A reported dispute over the ownership documentation of land occupied by the newly constructed Duala Market in Gbarnga is reportedly delaying the project’s dedication, with a local source alleging that District #2 Representative James M. Kolleh has refused to submit the land deed to the Bong County Administration.
According to a source associated with the county administration, who requested anonymity, the lawmaker is allegedly attempting to register the property in the name of a woman associated with him, a move reportedly opposed by the administration.
The source disclosed that Rep. Kolleh allegedly purchased the land from former Gbarnga businessman-turned-politician Orlando K. Zarwolo for US$10,000. Following the purchase, an understanding was reportedly reached between the lawmaker and the county administration for the county to undertake the market construction project at an estimated cost of US$50,000, alongside an additional allocation of between US$10,000 and US$20,000 to improve sanitation facilities.
The source further alleged that Rep. Kolleh remains indebted to Mr. Zarwolo, adding that the administration is awaiting a resolution of the matter. However, the lawmaker’s refusal to present the land deed remains the major obstacle to having the project dedicated.
Meanwhile, local vendors operating at the market are reportedly mounting persistent pressure on the county administration to dedicate the facility for public use. Despite the unresolved land documentation issue, the administration is reportedly considering dedicating the market project.
Efforts to obtain Representative Kolleh’s response to the allegations were unsuccessful, as calls and WhatsApp text messages placed to him went unanswered up to the time of publication.
