Monrovia/Gbarnga Highway ready for dedication

Massive preparations are underway in Bong County ahead of the officialdedication of the Gbarnga-Monrovia Highway. The road – constructed by Chinese company, CICCO with funding from theWorld Bank, is expected to be officially dedicated by President EllenJohnson Sirleaf on tomorrow, Wednesday.

The dedication of the 168.35 Kilometer road from Cocola factory to theJor River Bridge in Gbarnga will also bring together high profilegovernment officials and international partners. Bong County Information Officer Leon Harris told our Bong Countycorrespondent that the administration has commenced arrangements forthe program, contacting local traditional musical groups and others,saying the program is a three-county program involving Bong,Montserrado and Margibi Counties.

Mr. Harris added that citizens of Margibi and Bong Counties willassemble at the boundary between the two counties for the cutting ofthe ribbon and later proceed to Gbarnga where the official programwill take place.

The pavement of the Gbarnga-Monrovia highway has come as a big relieveto citizens as transportation has drastically reduced. Prior to the pavement of the road, the normal transportation fare wasbetween eight hundred to one thousand Liberian dollars. For now, thefare is between three to five hundred Liberian dollar

The four to five hour distance usually covered on the road prior tothe pavement has now been reduced to about two hours, thirty minutes. Citizens have begun commending the government of President Sirleaf forsuch remarkable accomplishment, with many also urging it to ensureroad safety signs along the road, as well as radio messages to reducethe high rate of accident since the road pavement.

By Papa Morris from Bong County