In a significant stride aims at getting local communities’ input on priority areas for development, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), with support from the United Nations and the Government of Sweden, recently concluded a two-day validation workshop for the County Development Agenda (CDA) in Grand Kru County.
The event held from November 11-12, 2024, at the Barclayville City Hall, aimed to gather inputs from local citizens on priority areas for sustainable development under the Boakai-Koung administration. Speaking during the workshop, Grand Kru County Superintendent, Antoinette Worwele Nimely, praised the active participation of citizens and stakeholders and called on residents to maintain a positive mindset towards fostering quality development in the county. She highlighted that road infrastructure, a long-standing challenge, has been repeatedly emphasized by citizens throughout the dialogue. “The lack of proper road connectivity remains the biggest obstacle to development in Grand Kru,” she noted,” adding, “addressing this issue will be a major turning point for the county’s growth, benefiting both citizens and development partners.” She specifically pointed to the need for road construction from Pleebo to Barclayville, as well as improved connectivity between Grand Kru, Sinoe, and River Gee counties, and pledged her continued engagement with national government officials and county legislators to advocate for urgent action on these critical projects. “Improving road infrastructure is vital for the economic and social progress of Grand Kru. It is time for concrete action to end the county’s isolation,” she asserted. The validation workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including development partners, local and international organizations, as well as community representatives.
Citizens were given a platform to outline critical areas needing urgent government’s intervention.
Key issues raised included the need for significant improvements in health care, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and the rule of law. The workshop coincides with renewed commitments from the national government to address infrastructure deficits in the southeastern counties. It can be recalled that the Ministry of Public Works, in collaboration with the Indian Government, announced plans for a 75-kilometer paved road from Barclayville to Sinoe County. This project, once completed, is expected to significantly boost the region’s development and enhance access to essential services. The successful implementation of these plans would mark a notable achievement for the Boakai-Koung administration, leaving a legacy for the people of Grand Kru. Source: LINA