Kolleh Faces Public Market, Private Land Deed Crisis

A US$50,000 market project in Gbarnga is facing a delay in its official dedication amid unresolved questions surrounding the ownership documentation of the land on which the facility was constructed, with District #2 Representative, James M. Kolleh at the centre of allegations over the missing deed. The newly constructed Duala Market, intended to provide a more organized trading environment for local vendors, has become the subject of controversy after a source within the Bong County Administration alleged that Representative Kolleh has failed to submit the property’s land deed to the county authorities. The source, who requested anonymity, claimed that the lawmaker’s failure to present the document has complicated efforts to formally dedicate the facility for public use. Seriously, the source alleged that Representative Kolleh was attempting to register the property in the name of a woman associated with him, an arrangement reportedly opposed by the county administration. According to the source, Kolleh acquired the land from former Gbarnga businessman-turned-politician Orlando K. Zarwolo for US$10,000.

The source said an understanding was subsequently reached between the lawmaker and the county administration for the construction of a market estimated at US$50,000. An additional amount of between US$10,000 and US$20,000 was reportedly intended to improve sanitation facilities around the market. However, the source further alleged that the lawmaker still owes Zarwolo money from the land transaction, raising additional questions about whether the property’s ownership documentation has been fully settled. The controversy has placed the county administration in a difficult position, particularly as public resources have reportedly been committed to developing a facility whose land documentation remains disputed. Local vendors operating in and around the area are reportedly mounting pressure on the county administration to dedicate the market and allow them to begin using the facility. For the traders, the continued delay means uncertainty over when they can benefit from the infrastructure constructed to improve their trading conditions. The situation also raises important questions about the due diligence conducted before public money was invested in the project. Why has the land deed not been presented? Has the ownership arrangement been legally finalized? And what safeguards were put in place to protect the public investment? Although the county administration is reportedly considering proceeding with the dedication, the unresolved ownership questions continue to cast uncertainty over the project. Efforts to obtain Representative Kolleh’s response were unsuccessful. Telephone calls and WhatsApp messages sent to the lawmaker went unanswered up to the time of publication. His response is still being sought regarding the land purchase, alleged outstanding payment and failure to submit the deed.

Until these questions are addressed, the Duala Market project remains overshadowed by a controversy that demands transparency, proper documentation and accountability.