The Timbo River Bridge — the major link connecting River Cess County and Grand Bassa County — is reportedly under serious threat from ongoing illegal mining activities taking place beneath and around the structure.
Videos and photos obtained by Verity News show miners operating hand-made dredge machines directly in the river near the bridge’s foundation, a practice experts warn could weaken soil stability and compromise the lifespan of the structure.
What is drawing even greater public concern is that the mining activities are allegedly being carried out in broad daylight between two joint security checkpoints on Wednesday, May 20, 2026— one located on the Rivercess side and the other on the Grand Bassa side of the bridge.
Residents and travelers are now demanding answers to several critical questions:
Who authorized the miners to operate within such a sensitive area?
Are local authorities and security personnel aware of the ongoing activities?
Has any environmental or engineering assessment been conducted?
Why are the operations continuing openly despite the potential danger posed to one of the region’s most important transportation links?
The Timbo River Bridge remains a critical route connecting southeastern Liberia to other parts of the country. Any structural damage to the bridge could result in serious economic and transportation consequences for citizens, businesses, and travelers alike.
Citizens are now calling on the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Public Works, Environmental Protection Agency, and county authorities in both Rivercess and Grand Bassa to immediately launch an investigation before irreversible damage occurs.
