In Bong County, particularly, residents of Douta, Electoral District #2, have cried in anger, and despair as they accused their Lawmaker, James Kolleh, of abandoning the long promised Douta bridge project. The situation, residents claimed, has left them in a “death zone” with many commuters stranded. Once hailed as a symbol of hope when they broke ground for the project in 2021, the project, residents said, has turned into a scene of disappointment, danger and betrayal.
The construction site an open, water-filled pit, poses grave risks to residents, especially children, who must navigate the area daily to attend school or reach nearby towns.
Tokpah Morris, a resident of Douta, who spoke on behalf of the community, condemned the prolonged delay to complete the project.
“Rep. Kolleh came with big promises, broke ground, took pictures, and left us with nothing, but in danger,” Morris said.
“This bridge is now killing our movement. Every rainy season, we risk our lives crossing this ‘death trap.’ We are tired of empty talk; our lawmaker has failed us completely.”
During the rainy season, the situation worsens. Floodwaters from the abandoned site cut off key routes, trapping communities, and destroying livelihoods. Locals called the incomplete bridge a “national disgrace.”
The community has demanded Rep. Kolleh explain the prolonged delay, and provide a clear timeline for completion.
They have appealed to the national government, and development partners to intervene before tragedy strikes.
But residents, led by Mr. Morris, remain skeptical.
They also accused Rep. Kolleh of using the project for ‘political showmanship;’ launching it to gain votes, only to abandon it once in power.
Many say his silence proves a lack of concern for the lives of those he represents.
Today, the Douta Bridge stands not as a mark of progress, but as a monument of neglect, and betrayal, symbolizing the widening gap between politicians’ promises and the suffering of the people. For now, Douta remains cut off, isolated by a bridge that never was, and betrayed by a leader, who once promised hope, but delivered only heartbreak.
Meanwhile, all efforts to contact the Lawmaker proof fruitless. His assigned phone numbers have been switched off since residents reported the delay to reporters.