Liberia-Report from the Southeastern region of Liberia says a log bridge connecting River Gee, Sinoe and Grand Kru Counties via the Nyonken River-Nor has collapsed, bringing vehicular movements to a halt on that road link.
The Nyonken River-Nor bridge collapsed as a result of a four-day nonstop rainfall in early September 2024. The bridge is the only access to Tienpo, Nanee administrative District, and connects Grand Kru, Sinoe and River Gee Counties.
Nanee Administrative District is known as one of the biggest gold mining areas in River Gee County. With a population of over 7,000 inhabitants (National Housing and population census of 2022), most of the occupants in Nanee District are business people.
Local authorities say women and children, mainly pregnant women are finding it difficult to access health facilities since the bridge collapsed. This situation, according to residents, has compelled most pregnant women to seek the support of local midwives with limited capacities.
Speaking to Rural Reporters News Network, residents of the community described the damaged bridge as a “death trap, noting that it has caused serious setback to businesses and living conditions in the area.
The Statutory District Superintendent, Anthony Teah Sr. joined other citizens to called on national government through the Ministry of Public Works to quickly intervene in order to restore the bridge. The damaged bridge was constructed with hands in 2017.
Meanwhile, River Gee County Senator Jonathan Boy Charles Sogbie has written Plenary of the Liberian Senate to impress on the Public Works Minister, Roland Giddings to repair the damaged bridge in order to bring relief to the people of Tienpo District most of whom depend on that road corridor for travelling.
