GUO WOLAILAI, Gbarpolu – Gbarpolu’s Guo Wolailai district Commissioner, Milton Y. Gartee, Sr., has expressed support for the government’s proposed acquisition of 285 roadbuilding equipment.
With the equipment’s first consignment already arriving in the country, there continues to be a huge controversy and allegations of a shady deal.
Opposition leaders and some lawmakers have criticized the Executive Branch and called for transparency in the process. In a letter to the House of Representatives, President Joseph Boakai disclosed that no formal agreement had been reached on acquiring the equipment.
At a district meeting on July 3, Commissioner Gartee highlighted the critical role of road equipment in improving accessibility and connectivity across Gbarpolu.
He said the county, especially the second district, is inaccessible and isolated, with citizens relying primarily on canoes for river transportation, thus hindering mobility and economic development.
“Please allow these earth-moving machines to come so they can help us open our roads,” he said.
His plea reflects the community’s desperate need for improved infrastructure to enhance livelihoods and facilitate socio-economic development in that part of the country.
In 2019, an attempt to construct roads in the district damaged the Tuma River Bridge, disrupting vital transportation links for residents.
Although well-intentioned, an initiative by former Gbarpolu Senator Armah Jallah inadvertently exacerbated the challenges along the road, highlighting the complexities of infrastructure development in remote counties across the country.
Tuma River, between Guo Nwolailai and Bokomu Districts. Photo: Henry B. Gboluma, Jr.
Meanwhile, Gbarpolu’s second district representative, Luther Collins, agreed with the local district official on the need to support infrastructure development but said the proper procedures must be followed.
“I stand with you,” Rep. Collins acknowledged while emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency.
Featured photo by Henry Gboluma
