BONG COUNTY, LIBERIA — Amid ongoing controversy surrounding the construction of a bridge over the Jor River in Gbarnga, the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) says it is fully committed to completing the project — regardless of political backlash or the final cost.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with our reporter in the county, following heightened scrutiny from the Ministry of Public Works and local political actors, Mr. Smith Toby, the Communication Officer of the CMC, insisted the party has complied with all requirements and is waiting on the ministry’s technical review.
“If it costs us to spend all Musa Bility’s campaign money on that bridge, we will do it, but we must construct it no matter what the Ministry of Public Works says,” Toby declared passionately. “This bridge is no longer about politics — it’s about the people, especially the students and communities who will benefit.”
The bridge in question is part of a campaign promise made by Representative Josiah Marvin Cole of Bong District #3 — a member of the CMC. The party, led by businessman and politician Musa Bility, broke ground for the project earlier this month. However, the initiative has since drawn criticism, with some county officials and political figures questioning its legitimacy and legality.
The Ministry of Public Works recently issued a communication requesting full technical documentation, including blueprints and specifications. In response, CMC says it submitted all necessary documents earlier this week. “We have provided everything the ministry asked for — the technical drawings, design, materials, even the names of the engineers,” Toby confirmed. “We are not trying to build this bridge in secret. We are in full compliance with the government.”
Toby clarified that the CMC has engaged qualified Liberian engineers for the project and has completed similar infrastructure in other counties, including Nimba. He emphasized that all previous projects were assessed and approved by the Ministry of Public Works — and the Jor River bridge will be no exception. “The Ministry is now reviewing our specs. They will assess, approve, make adjustments if necessary. We will work with them,” he said. “This is the proper process, and we have always known that.”
When asked whether the CMC had jumped the gun by holding a groundbreaking before receiving formal government approval, Toby dismissed that narrative. “It wasn’t about defiance. The groundbreaking symbolized our intent to deliver on a promise. But we knew full well that construction couldn’t proceed without the Ministry’s approval. That’s why we’ve now submitted everything they need.”
The bridge project has been politically charged, with some accusing Bility and CMC of attempting to undermine local leaders, including Senator Prince Moye, a powerful political figure in Bong County.
Toby addressed these tensions head-on. “Yes, there were remarks made during the groundbreaking, but those came after repeated efforts by some political actors to block the project. People said we couldn’t build it. They didn’t ask for blueprints — they said outright that we should not build the bridge,” he said.
He further alleged that attempts were made to prevent the groundbreaking altogether, and suggested that certain individuals within the county feared the political symbolism of the project more than the practical benefits it would bring. “When someone steps in to fulfill a need the government has not met since 1964, you would think they’d be welcomed. But instead, politics got in the way,” he lamented.
The CMC had earlier estimated the bridge’s cost at a little over $500,000 USD. But if the Ministry of Public Works requires design changes that increase the cost, Toby says the party is ready to meet the challenge. “If the ministry changes the design and says it will now cost more — even over a million — we are committed. That bridge will be built,” he said firmly. “Development must not be denied because of political insecurity.”
Toby concluded by urging all parties to shift the conversation away from politics and toward the people who stand to benefit. “Let’s move away from ego and focus on development. Whether it’s students crossing to go to high school or community members accessing the college — this bridge is for them. Not for Musa Bility. Not for Marvin Cole. Not for any politician.”
The Ministry of Public Works is expected to review the submitted documents and conduct site inspections in the coming days. Pending approval, construction on the bridge could begin shortly thereafter.
Until then, CMC says it remains in “full compliance” and is waiting for the official green light. But one thing remains clear from Mr. Toby’s message: the bridge will be built — whatever it takes.
