“Our county is completely cut off,” Senator Bartekwa declared, highlighting the growing challenges residents face due to the lack of adequate road networks. He noted that in some parts of Grand Kru, a bag of rice is now being sold for 5,000 Liberian dollars, a staggering increase attributed to the high transportation costs caused by the impassable roads. Additionally, prices of petroleum products have also surged, and even ambulances sent to the county have reportedly broken down due to the poor road conditions.
The Senator said that government services are not being adequately implemented in the region, with many government workers returning to Monrovia because of the challenging travel conditions. The senator also pointed out that the police presence in Grand Kru is limited to just fourteen officers, a situation worsened by the county’s inaccessibility. Teachers at the county’s community college are similarly frustrated, as they face immense difficulties in traveling to their posts.
Senator Barteqwa emphasized that the government needs to prioritize the issue of primary roads in its development agenda. He called for a serious commitment from the government to utilize the controversial yellow machines, which have been criticized in the past but could potentially address some of the road issues. Bartekwa is not pointing fingers at the previous administration of President George Weah but instead urged President Joseph Boakai’s government to redouble its efforts to address the infrastructure needs of Grand Kru and other counties facing similar challenges.
Drawing a comparison with Sierra Leone, the senator suggested that Liberia should consider developing a road network that includes tolls to generate revenue to maintain the roads. He also recommended that the government explore options for securing credit to address the country’s road connectivity issues, which he sees as essential for economic stability and growth.
Grand Kru is not alone in its struggles. Senator Bartekwa mentioned that other counties, such as Sinoe, Lofa, and Gbarpolu, are also heavily impacted by poor road conditions, hindering economic development. He expressed dismay that these issues are particularly prevalent during the dry season. He warned that the situation will likely worsen once the rainy season begins, as in previous years.
“We as a government must provide a cutoff point to this unbearable situation that people are going through,” Bartekwa urged, calling for swift action to alleviate the suffering of these counties.
The senator also encouraged the government of Liberia to work closely with national and international development partners to redirect significant support toward road development. He stressed that roads are the foundation of any country’s economic growth and that without them, other vital services like health, education, and basic infrastructure cannot effectively reach citizens.
“There is nothing you can do in the absence of roads,” Bartekwa remarked, highlighting that people’s access to essential services hinges on the availability of reliable road networks. He emphasized that all other services in Liberia are contingent upon the development of roads.
“As we speak today, my county, Grand Kru, is completely cut off,” the senator added, explaining that travelers coming from counties like Sinoe, River Gee, and Maryland are forced to take long and costly detours, which only increases the price of fares and agricultural products. This situation is making life increasingly difficult for people living in these regions, and many government workers have been forced to return to Monrovia due to the challenges posed by the roads.
In closing, Senator Bartekwa strongly appealed for the government to prioritize road development in the country’s national development plan. He expressed hope that, with the proper focus and resources, Liberia can address its road infrastructure challenges and improve the lives of its citizens.
