MONROVIA, Montserrado – Residents of the New Matadi Estate, Fredrick Island and 12th Street communities have received US$66,900 from the Liberian government to construct a bridge that will link them with other communities.
Residents of the three communities constructed a makeshift bridge to connect them together. However, during the rainy season, residents of these communities found it very difficult to get materials across the makeshift bridge.
School children, who have no other means of transportation, take the bridge every weekday to get to school and at times fall into the water.
The lack of a safe bridge has been a serious obstruction for residents of the three communities.
At a meeting recently hosted on Fredrick Island by the district’s representative, Munah Pelham Youngblood, she informed residents of the three communities about the commencement of the bridge project.
Representative Youngblood in a meeting with some residents of the three communities, Photo Credit: Zeze Ballah
Youngblood told residents that there was money set aside through the County Development Fund for projects in the 73 districts across Liberia.
She explained that in 2013, the 9th District, which she represents in the House of Representatives, received US$151,000 from the government to carry out various projects.
Youngblood said residents of the district decided to construct 21 hand pumps, 21 public toilets and a bridge linking the three communities. She noted that in 2013, the construction of the bridge would have cost the US$10,000.
“The bridge is now costing US$66,900 because we need a more durable and long lasting one for the district,†Youngblood said.
Explaining further, Youngblood said since 2013, only the construction of the 21 hand pumps had been completed, costing the district US$60,000. She said the balance of US$91,000 is still in a local bank.
Because the construction of the bridge was delayed along with other projects across the country, Youngblood said members of the House of Representatives crafted a program meant to fast track various projects under the county development fund.
Youngblood added that because funds under the County Development Fund was being allegedly misapplied by county authorities, the representatives decided to set aside US$1 million for each district but the funds could not be disbursed due the Ebola crisis.
Representative Youngblood walks on the makeshift bridge during the night hour, Photo Credit: Zeze Ballah
During the health crisis, members of the lower house decided against allocating the full US$73 million from the budget for the 73 districts. Â Youngblood said they decided to only provide US$5 million.
Accordingly, each of the 73 districts received US$68,000 and the 9th District’s share of the money was given to the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment, a government-run institution that implements infrastructural projects.
“Several construction companies [submitted bids] and the Liberia Corporation for Development, Reconciliation, and Investment emerged as winner to construct the bridge linking New Matadi to Fredrick Island and to 12th Street,†Youngblood said.
Representative Youngblood explains about bridge to some residents, Photo Credit: Zeze Ballah
The district representative said the bridge will be constructed in concrete. It will be six feet wide and six feet thick with iron railings to protect pedestrians from falling into the water.
Youngblood urged communities dwellers to support the project and work with the engineers.
The development chairman of the zone containing New Matadi, Joseph Wilson, thanked the lawmaker for always identifying with his people. He described the development as the most important undertaking in their community and a dream come true.
Featured image courtesy of Zeze Ballah
