Dispute Emerges Over Tumata Bridge Project in Suakoko District
By Emmett S Yarsiah Jr. Bong County Correspondent
Tumata, Suakoko District, Bong County — A dispute has surfaced over the ongoing construction of the Tumata Bridge after Madam Veronica Rennie, a former Representative candidate for District Five and a Liberian based in the United States, alleged that the project has been resumed without her authorization.
Madam Rennie, who says she initiated the bridge project in 2023, expressed disappointment over what she described as an unexpected move by Judge Boima Kondoe to restart construction without her knowledge or consent.
According to Rennie, the bridge project is already between 50 and 60 percent complete, with construction materials currently on site. She said she had earlier informed community members of her plan to return to Liberia later this year—around May 2026—to continue and complete the work.
The project, she explained, was launched in response to longstanding appeals from residents seeking improved access between Tumata and neighboring towns and villages in Suakoko District. Community members have long viewed the bridge as a critical infrastructure development that would significantly improve transportation and connectivity in the area.
However, Rennie claims that Judge Kondoe proceeded with construction activities without consulting her, despite what she described as a close family relationship between them. She has warned that she will pursue legal action upon her return to Liberia if the matter is not addressed.
Rennie is therefore calling on Judge Kondoe to halt further work on the bridge and engage her directly to resolve the issue.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain comments from Judge Kondoe were unsuccessful. Attempts to reach him through phone calls and WhatsApp messages did not go through. Reports indicate that the judge is currently in the United States and may have been encouraged by residents of Tumata and surrounding communities to resume work on the bridge.
Despite the unfolding dispute, Rennie, a native of Gboduoi, expressed appreciation to community members for their continued support and urged residents to remain patient while the matter is being addressed.
