By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Paynesville, Liberia; July 4, 2025 – The Chairperson of Shara Community in Payneville, Mrs. Delode Davies Garnett, has announced that Phase One of a major road construction project in the community, valued at over US$150,000, is on track for dedication by July 25, 2025.
The concrete pavement project, when fully completed, is expected to transform mobility and address the decades-long challenge of poor road conditions in one of Paynesville’s oldest communities.
During a recent community engagement meeting, Chairperson Garnett reported on the progress of road construction and other community development initiatives.
Speaking briefly to reporters following the celebration of the Fifth Father’s Day and Anniversary program of the New Covenant Apostolic Ministries in the Shara Community on Duport Road, Mrs. Garnett emphasized the long-term impact of the road project.
“This is just Phase One, which we will dedicate this July. We are believing in God for resources to complete Phase Two,” she said. “We have invested significantly because we want a road that is durable and compacted, to truly ease the stress of bad roads in Shara.”
She revealed that the road, when fully completed, is expected to last between 40 and 50 years. Residents are already expressing joy and appreciation, she noted, especially given the difficult conditions they previously endured, including periods when flooding forced people to use canoes for transportation.
“Pregnant women, the elderly, and children, who once struggled to move around, will now travel in comfort,” she added.
Mrs. Garnett, who described herself as a “humble servant of the Shara Community,” reaffirmed her commitment to serve and uplift the area. “I believe Liberia is rising, and it needs intentional people who are ready to drive real change.”
The program also honored Mrs. Garnett for her contributions to the community. She expressed gratitude for the recognition by the church and its General Overseer, Apostle James Venecious Vaye.
“I was deeply honored to be singled out among many women in the church and in the community,” she said.
Apostle Vaye commended Mr. and Mrs. Garnett for their longstanding support to the community, citing contributions such as paying tuition for over 100 underprivileged students and funding the community road project.
Mrs. Garnett shared her personal story of struggling to afford education and how the support she received inspired her passion to help others. “Because someone helped me when I had nothing, I am committed, along with my family, to helping students fulfill their dreams. We’ve been doing this for 15 to 20 years now.”
In brief remarks, Mr. Isaac H. Garnett, Sr., Vice President for Finance and Fiscal Affairs at the University of Liberia and husband to the Chairperson, thanked the church for the honor. “We believe it was God who directed this honor toward us. We are grateful to the clergy and appreciate everyone involved.”
With Phase One of the road project nearing completion, the Shara Community looks forward to a new chapter of connectivity, opportunity, and development. Editing by Jonathan Browne
