Residents of Zone 7 in Pleebo City breathed a sigh of relief on Saturday, October 24, as a newly constructed box culvert valued at US$9,750 was officially dedicated.
The ceremony ended years of hardship in accessing the densely populated community.
The project was undertaken by the Office of Maryland County Senator James P. Biney following a direct appeal from residents of Zone 7B.
The locals had complained about a deplorable makeshift bridge that made movement difficult and dangerous, especially during the rainy season.
At the dedicatory ceremony, the Coordinator to Biney’s office, Blikon Badio, said the intervention was fully funded from the Senator’s personal resources when he received a request from the community.
“This project shows the Senator’s commitment to respond to the needs of his people. When the residents cried out, Sen. Biney listened and acted.”
He noted that the box culvert will not only improve daily movement, but enhance access for school children, market women, and emergency services within Zone 7, one of the most populated zones in Pleebo City.
The ceremony was attended by Pleebo City Mayor Larry G. Geekor, youth leaders, women groups, and chairpersons of Zones 7.
Local leaders praised the initiative as an example of responsive leadership.
On behalf of the community, Sylvester T. N. Scott, Chairperson of Zone 7, expressed gratitude to Sen. Biney for his timely intervention.
He recalled that the old structure had become a serious risk to residents, with flooding often cutting off the community during heavy downpour.
“We thank Sen. Biney for this help. The previous bridge was very bad and risky for our people, especially our children and mothers. We promise to work together to maintain it.”
Scott added that the leadership of the community has agreed to collaborate to ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of the new culvert to prolong its lifespan.
Residents described the project as a major relief. They noted that improved access will boost local commerce, ease transportation, and strengthen community connectivity.
The dedication of the Zone 7 box culvert adds to a series of small-scale infrastructure interventions carried out by Sen. Biney’s office in response to community requests in the county.
