By Samuel Flomo, Jr.
The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Public Works, Roland Giddings and his full technical team to appear before plenary on Tuesday (November 18, 2025) to explain the controversial suspension of the Jor Creek Bridge construction project in Bong County.
The summons followed a formal communication from Bong County District #3 Representative, J. Marvin Cole, who raised serious concern over what he described as a deliberate obstruction of local development efforts.
Cole warned that the ministry’s stop-order could cripple transportation, isolate rural communities, and stall progress for thousands of residents who depend on the Jor Creek route daily.
According to him, the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) a community-led initiative headed by businessman and politician Musa Hassan Bility has already mobilized more than US$500,000 to fund the construction.
The project, he said, was meant to end decades of hardship caused by the absence of a reliable bridge across Jor Creek, a situation that has long disrupted travel and commerce in the region.
The Jor Creek Bridge serves as a vital link between Ganta, Gbarnga, and Monrovia, three key cities that form the backbone of Liberia’s central transport network.
During the rainy season, travelers are often left stranded for hours or days as the overflowing creek cuts off access to markets, schools, and hospitals. For decades, the problem has persisted without government resolution.
Tensions escalated when the Ministry of Public Works issued a stop-order on the project, citing procedural and regulatory concerns.
However, many local leaders and residents have condemned the move as politically motivated and deeply unfair.
In his communication to the House, Representative Cole described the ministry’s action as an example of the “weaponization of government functionaries”, accusing certain officials of using their authority to frustrate private-led development efforts.
He urged his colleagues to act swiftly to protect community-driven initiatives that deliver real results where government has failed.
Minister Giddings and his team are expected to appear before the House next Tuesday to provide full details surrounding the suspension.