By 
Grand Kru County Senator, Numene T. H. Bartekwa, Jr., has voiced grave concerns about the harsh living conditions faced by citizens in southeastern Liberia, particularly in Grand Kru County.
The Grand Kru county Senator has called on the Liberian government to urgently tackle the issues of poor road connectivity and rising prices, which have worsened the region’s isolation and economic hardship despite international aid to Liberia’s economic sector.
Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at his Capitol Building office, Senator Bartekwa highlighted the severe impact of the lack of roads on Grand Kru and neighboring counties like Sinoe, Maryland, and River Gee.
He described the region as “completely cut off” from development, investment, and trade due to impassable roads, a situation he termed “troubling.”
The senator revealed that the lack of road access has caused skyrocketing prices in the county. For example:
He revailed that the the county has only 14 police officers to provide security and address crimes across its vast territory.
Senator Bartekwa noted that the region’s infrastructural deficits discourage investments in critical services like internet connectivity, communication towers, and banking. Similarly, civil servants, including teachers, often abandon their assignments due to the harsh living conditions and return to Monrovia.
The senator called on the government to establish a “cut-off point” by prioritizing road development and infrastructure. He urged the administration to consider borrowing US$2 billion to address road challenges in isolated counties, arguing that the current situation has delayed the country’s development for too long.
“Our country’s development has been delayed for too long, and we have to create a cut-off point. We want to challenge this government to redeem the people from the situation they face,” Senator Bartekwa stated
He emphasized that the rainy season exacerbates the suffering of southeastern counties due to worsened road accessibility, unstable infrastructure, and price volatility.
The senator acknowledged international support, including:
Liberia’s qualification for the MCC Compact, granting US$5 million,
A US$200 million credit facility from the IMF,
The World Bank’s expressed commitment to Liberia’s energy sector development.
While commending President Joseph N. Boakai and his economic team for their efforts in attracting foreign support, Senator Bartekwa urged the government to prioritize road infrastructure as a fundamental step toward improving living conditions and fostering national development.
By Domingo Dargbeh
