By 
The Ministry of Public Works has officially rejected the Citizens Movement for Change’s (CMC) proposed plan to construct a 38-meter bridge over the Jor River in Bong County, citing that the Liberian government already has budgetary allocation and technical plans for the same project.
The rejection was contained in a letter dated November 4, 2025, addressed to CMC’s National Chairman, James M.V. Yougie, and signed by Public Works Minister Roland Lafayette Giddings. The ministry acknowledged receipt of the CMC’s design documents but stated that the government, through the Ministry of Public Works, is already in the process of finalizing all technical documents and procuring a contractor for the project.
According to the ministry, the government’s ongoing plan for the Jor River bridge project falls under its current budget, making the CMC’s version of the project unauthorized and unnecessary at this time.
“The Government of Liberia, through a budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Public Works, has plans for the construction of the subject bridge and is in the process of finalizing all technical documents for procurement of a contractor,” the letter stated.
The government’s decision follows weeks of tension after the ministry earlier instructed CMC’s National Vice Chairman for Operations, Representative Josiah Marvin Cole, to halt ongoing preparatory work on the bridge, citing non-compliance with national engineering standards. The halted project, valued at about $500,000, was being championed by Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Hassan Bility and was intended to connect the Civil Compound and Jorkpanmue communities in Gbarnga.
Ministry Details Technical Lapses
Minister Giddings explained that while his team reviewed the documents submitted by CMC, they failed to meet the ministry’s engineering requirements for bridge construction. He outlined several mandatory reports and designs that were not included in the CMC’s submission, which the ministry says are essential for any bridge project.
Among the required documents are a site topography study report, a geotechnical investigation report, a hydrological and hydraulic report, structural analysis and design, and full working drawings. The minister said the absence of these technical components made it impossible for the ministry to grant approval.
“My team has reviewed the documents submitted and would like to advise that for any future request for a bridge structure, the following technical information should accompany your request to facilitate our review and approval processes,” Giddings wrote.
Acknowledging CMC’s Effort
Despite the rejection, the Ministry of Public Works commended the Citizens Movement for Change for showing interest in supporting national development. Minister Giddings expressed appreciation for the group’s initiative and encouraged further collaboration in the future once proper technical and procedural requirements are fulfilled.
“We appreciate your efforts in promoting development in our country and look forward to future collaboration,” the letter concluded.
Political and Procedural Friction
The dispute over the Jor River bridge has exposed growing friction between the Boakai-led administration and the opposition-aligned Citizens Movement for Change. The CMC, led by Representative Musa Hassan Bility, has in recent months initiated several community-based development projects across Bong and Nimba Counties, which some government officials reportedly view as politically motivated.
The Ministry of Public Works’ decision adds a new dimension to the controversy, effectively positioning the government as the sole authority responsible for executing the project under its national infrastructure program. The ministry maintains that its decision was purely technical, but political analysts interpret it as a move to assert control over development initiatives spearheaded by opposition figures.
CMC’s Position
In a previous statement following the ministry’s initial suspension notice, the CMC said it respected the government’s regulations and would cooperate with all relevant authorities to ensure compliance. Political leader Musa Bility reiterated that the bridge initiative originated from a community request and was aimed at easing transportation difficulties faced by residents of Civil Compound and Jorkpanmue.
He emphasized that the project was not a political maneuver but a response to long-standing local needs, adding that the CMC remains committed to lawful and transparent development partnerships.
Uncertain Future for the Project
With the government now asserting full ownership of the Jor River bridge construction, the future of the halted CMC project remains uncertain. While the ministry has promised to move ahead with its own version of the project, no specific timeline for the commencement of work has been announced.
For now, the bridge that was once seen as a beacon of hope for thousands of residents in Bong County remains trapped in a web of bureaucracy and political disagreement, awaiting a resolution that could determine whether development triumphs over politics in Liberia’s evolving democracy.
