Government asked to reconstruct St. John River Bridge

Locals are appealing to government for the reconstruction of the St. John River Bridge connecting Harbel and Cotton Tree Communities in lower Margibi County.

Residents of the two communities told reporters over the weekend that they have been crossing the river by help of some group of men serving as lifeguards, using some floaters.

The bridge was broken sometime back during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson – Sirleaf. The group’s spokesman Richards C. Nyenkon says said they are helping people on floaters to cross the river since the bridge got damaged, but there is the need for government to reconstruct the bridge for the inhabitants.

According to them, lifeguard floaters being used to cross commuters is a self – initiative to ensure that people being crossed on both sides of the river are saved.
Mr. Nyekon adds that his group decided to assist inhabitants of Cotton Tree and Harbel since the incident, noting that they cross at least 200 people on a daily basis.

But he raises concern that their rescue operations may be endangered because of the rain season.They also call on county officials including lawmakers to come to the rescue of the people by ensuring that they get access to save passage without any hindrance. Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the lifeguard service are commending their compatriots for taking the risk just to save the lives.

Locals are urging authorities to quickly intervene to save them from the situation because they have no other shortest route to get to Harbel.

By Emmanuel Mondaye–Edited by Winston W. Parley