9776
The construction of the 98-foot Jor River Bridge at Chief’s Compound in Bong County has received full approval from the Ministry of Public Works, marking a major milestone for citizen-led development in Liberia. The bridge, valued at US$518,876.36, will be funded entirely by the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) and implemented under official government technical oversight.
In a communication dated October 19, 2025, Public Works Minister Roland Lafayette Giddings endorsed the project and forwarded the complete engineering designs, scopes of work, and Bills of Quantities produced by the Ministry’s Bridge Unit. The Ministry’s approval formalizes the partnership and sets the standards for execution.
CMC views the approval as a significant win for Bong County residents. The organization describes the development as evidence that coordinated citizen action, lawful engagement, and responsible advocacy can drive tangible results. The group credited its Political Leader, Hon. Musa Hassan Bility, whose leadership, insistence on due process, and push for community-centered solutions helped advance the project to this stage.
To safeguard the quality of the work, the Ministry instructed that all coordination be routed through the Department of Technical Services, headed by Deputy Minister Engr. Prince D. Tambah Sr. An engineer will be assigned to provide ongoing supervision, and the selected contractor will undergo a pre-qualification process to confirm technical and logistical competence before full mobilization.
CMC has accepted these oversight measures and is moving toward a transparent procurement and implementation process that aligns with national standards. In the coming days, the organization will convene a joint technical session with the Ministry and community stakeholders to finalize timelines, complete contractor vetting, and establish mechanisms for regular public reporting and community participation.
CMC describes the Jor River Bridge as a project that extends beyond infrastructure, representing a new model for how citizens and government can jointly deliver development. Under the leadership of Hon. Musa Hassan Bility, the movement plans to expand this approach across other parts of Liberia.
