By Wroinbee Elton Tiah
GRAND BASSA, LIBERIA – Grand Bassa County is at the center of a growing scandal involving the misuse of County Social Development Funds (CSDF) provided annually by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML).
Investigations and community concerns have revealed a troubling pattern: millions of U.S. dollars disbursed, yet dozens of public projects remain incomplete or poorly executed.
AML has contributed US$1 million every year for county development as part of its social responsibility agreement with the Government of Liberia.
These funds were entrusted to the Grand Bassa Project Management Committee (PMC) to carry out infrastructure and social development projects across the county.
However, community members and leaders now say the funds have been poorly used, mismanaged, and in some cases, possibly misappropriated.
District #2 Lawmaker Sounds the Alarm:
Representative Clarence Banks of Grand Bassa District #2 has taken the lead in demanding accountability. He says residents are tired of seeing “half-finished projects with full payments made.” According to him, funds meant to improve roads, clinics, bridges, and markets are instead vanishing into poorly monitored contracts with little to no results.
“These funds were meant to transform our communities. But what we see are broken promises, abandoned structures, and excuses,” Rep. Banks stated.
Projects in Focus: Big Budgets, Small Results:
Our investigation has uncovered a list of high-cost projects in District #2 and beyond, many of which are either incomplete or show signs of poor workmanship—despite large sums already disbursed.
1. Blaygbahn Bridge
Project Cost:US$117,970
Paid to Contractor (Echo Group): US$40,263.16
Current Status:Incomplete
Findings: The work done so far is minimal and does not reflect the amount paid.
2. Dlahn Bridge
Project Cost: US$322,559
Paid to JEAMCO Company: Full amount
Current Status: Less than 60% completed
Findings: Despite receiving the full payment, the bridge is far from finished.
3. BAA Bridge
Project Cost:US$130,001
Amount Released: US$20,131
Contractor:Mareitta Engineer Company
Current Status: Progress unclear; little to show for funds released.
4. Yeabloe Market
Project Cost: US$49,380
Paid to Karlontuah Company:US$42,078
Current Status: Market not completed.
Findings: Community still lacks a functional market despite nearly full payment.
5. Boglay Clinic (District #2B)
Project Cost: US$129,889
Paid to Buchanan Business Services: US$88,315
Current Status: Clinic structure still not roofed.
Findings:Work has stalled with no clear explanation.
These examples paint a picture of a broken system contracts issued, money released, but little accountability and fewer results.
According to sources within the county, similar issues are being reported in other districts. Projects are either delayed, poorly executed, or completely abandoned after receiving significant funding. In many cases, local residents say they are not consulted or updated about the status of these projects, despite being the direct beneficiaries.
The failure of these projects affects access to healthcare, economic activity, education, and transportation basic needs that should have been addressed by the CSDF.
Past Leaders Under Scrutiny:
Critics are pointing fingers at the former Grand Bassa local administration and the previous Project Management Committee, accusing them of poor oversight, weak leadership, and alleged corruption. Several community voices say past lawmakers and administrators focused more on politics than results, while funds were spent without proper tracking or reporting.
“It is clear that millions were spent, but the people got little in return. We demand answers,” said a local community leader in Buchanan.
What Comes Next?
Representative Banks says he plans to push for a full audit of all CSDF-funded projects, especially those managed under the former administration. He also wants stronger laws to ensure that future development funds are used transparently and effectively.
Citizens are also calling on national government institutions such as the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to investigate and take action where necessary.
“If contractors were paid but failed to do the work, then legal steps must be taken. If leaders allowed this to happen, they must be held accountable,” Banks emphasized.
A Call for Reform:
This situation has reignited calls for reform in how County Development Funds are managed across Liberia. Many believe that unless transparency, monitoring, and citizen participation are improved, such waste will continue.
As more information comes to light, the people of Grand Bassa are watching and waiting for real accountability and a new era of responsible leadership.
