HARBEL, Margibi – A few days after at least five persons died after a canoe capsized in Margibi’s second electoral district, residents in the area are now calling on their representative to reconsider his decision to erect a district office. They want Rep. Ivar Jones to instead conduct a feasibility study for a pedestrian bridge across the Gbehn River.

The residents believe that the bridge would prevent the recurrence of another tragedy and give easy access to hundreds of daily users.

In a post on the social media, a former representative candidate in Margibi’s first district, John Stanley Nyumah, and a strong supporter of Jones, first brought up the idea when he called on the lawmaker and the leadership of the district development council to cease their plan for a district office. He told them to focus on a project that he said would be more relevant to constituents.

“What is alarming of a district office? I think such an office is only active during campaign periods,” he wrote.

Another resident of the district, Omodu Mollay, told The Bush Chicken that Nyumah’s recommendation is important and should be considered by the district representative and leaders of the district development council.

Responding to Nyumah’s recommendation, Jones said he could not undo what he had already promised his constituents. However, he did not rule out the possibility of erecting a pedestrian bridge on the Gbehn River.

While campaigning to be elected, the lawmaker promised residents of the second district that he would construct a district office 100 days after his election. Already, he has secured land for the building of the district office and is now sourcing contractors.

Despite Jones’ refusal to abandon the district office for the bridge, Nyumah says he still has confidence in Jones, believing that he will perform well as a representative of the people.

Featured photo by Jefferson Daryoue