For decades, Grand Kru County has remained one of the least developed counties.
The county has struggled with poor road connectivity, limited electricity access, and inadequate sporting facilities. But recent government-backed projects are beginning to signal a long-awaited shift toward development.
At the center of the renewed attention, is the planned construction of Grand Kru’s first standard sports stadium in Barclayville, a project being supported through the County Development Fund (CDF), the Liberia Football Association (LFA), and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The initiative gained momentum after Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia Kruah, during her recent Southeastern tour, openly expressed disappointment that the county; a birthplace of football legend and former President George Weah, still lacks a modern sports facility. Madam Kruah remarks sparked discussions in the county, and renewed calls for investment in youth and sports development.
Following Madam Kruah’s visit, a joint technical team from the LFA, the Ministry of Public Works, and the county administration, conducted an assessment of the proposed site for the stadium project. County Development Officer, Joe M. Sekpeh, led the local coordination process, while traditional leaders reportedly offered approximately seven acres of land for the initiative.
County authorities say US$80,000 from the County Development Fund, has already been committed to launch the initial phase of the project, with expectations that government and partners will provide additional support.
Beyond sports infrastructure, several other projects are either ongoing or expected to begin soon.
The government is expected to recondition the Barclayville-Sassatown road, while discussions continue around the continuation of the 50-kilometer pavement project initiated under the previous government.
Local authorities have also used County Development Fund resources to rehabilitate several streets in Barclayville City.
In another development, a European Union-supported electricity initiative (Light Up Southeast—LUSE) is expected to begin operations in Barclayville, potentially ending years of limited access to electricity for residents and businesses.
Transportation access to the county has significantly improved, with the road connecting Pleebo City in Maryland County to Barclayville, now passable for vehicles, easing movement for commuters and traders.
Meanwhile, Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa, has supported the rehabilitation and expansion of Voice of Grand Kru Radio through the donation of equipment intended to improve local broadcasting services and public information dissemination.
While some residents continue to debate the political implications of the projects, others believe the focus should remain on ensuring that development reaches ordinary residents regardless of political affiliation.
For many young, the projects represent more than infrastructure, they symbolize hope, opportunity, and recognition after years of feeling forgotten.