-As citizens appeal to both governments to help reconstruct bridge
Infrastructure issues are hindering trade and travel between Liberia and Guinea as residents of Gbaowuta Town, Bong County, and Dianenia Town in Guinea face challenges accessing their shared border across the Siaya River.
The deterioration of the existing bridge linking the two border towns has led to difficulties in transporting goods and poses risks to pedestrians and drivers, particularly during adverse weather conditions. And citizens are appealing to both governments for assistance in constructing a proper bridge.
The bridge serves as a major route for many Liberians traveling to Guinea from the Bong County side– through the town of Dianenia in Guinea.
Unfortunately, the poor condition of the bridge has led to severe challenges for those who rely on the route for their commercial activities.
The residents revealed that the road from Gboawuta to Guinea Dianenia is the shortest and most convenient way to reach Guinea.
“Many people use this route to buy goods from Guinea and Liberia, which are vital for their daily lives and businesses,” a resident told this reporter.
However, due to the flooding of the Siaya River, especially during the rainy season, transportation of goods becomes increasingly difficult for the citizens.
Both Liberian and Guinean citizens expressed their frustrations about the bridge’s condition.
“Vehicles can no longer safely travel this route, forcing people to rely on motorcycles for transporting goods. When they reach the river, they often have to carry both their goods and their motorcycles on their heads to cross – a task that can only be done during the dry season,” the citizens added.
As a result of these transportation issues, citizens are forced to pay more money to motorcycle riders to get themselves and their goods across the border. This situation has placed a heavy financial burden on them.
Moreover, the poor state of the bridge has led to an increase in accidents, endangering the lives of those who use the route.
Citizens on both sides of the border believe addressing this long-standing issue will not only improve their daily lives but also strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Says Mark Sulonteh, the Country Representative Irene Christina Reinking Foundation (ICRF) to Liberia, echoed citizens’ calls for a new bridge. “We are calling on the Governments of both Liberia and Guinea to kindly see a reason to jointly collaborate to see to it that this bridge be constructed, to address our long-standing suffering,” he said. Adding that such investment would “improve the quality of life for our community.”
The Irene Christina Reinking Foundation is a nonprofit organization established to support the government of Liberia’s efforts to boost access to education and health services, and agricultural investment, among other policy areas. Its advocacy demonstrates widespread support for the bridge project, as citizens are calling on well-meaning citizens of Panta District and Guinea to come to their aid.
With calls for government action growing louder, there is hope that a solution can be found that will benefit both nations and improve the lives of their citizens.
