A Major Milestone: Timbo Bridge dedicated -Public Works Boss Upbeats; Citizens: Sufferings and difficulties are over

Disconnected after the first corroded Timbo Bridge could no longer hold a single tonnage of a plying vehicle to commute across from Grand Bassa County to Sinoe, Grand Kru, Maryland and the rest of the South eastern region, the George Manneh Weah-led Government of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) provided a 4 million united States dollars for bridges around the country, Prioritizing Timbo River Bridge under its Pro-Poor Agenda for Development and Prosperity (PADP) to alleviate the economic hardship facing people of the region. Constructed by an all-Liberian owned and operated Jupiter Engineering and Construction Company, the Timbo River Bridge was dedicated on Tuesday, August 7, 2019 by an entourage of high profile officials of government led by the ever-potent Minister of Public Works, Mobutu Vlah Nyenpan.

Among dignitaries that attended the official dedication of the bridge was the Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA) Bill Twehway, representing the President of Liberia, Dr. George Manneh Weah.

From every indication, the dedication of the bridge is one of the major milestones achieved by the George Weah administration in fulfilling its Pro-poor Agenda for Development Prosperity, in the absence of the start of the Costal Road promised in the inaugural speech of the President.

The Timbo Bridge links the entire Southeastern region to Rivercess, Grand Bassa Counties and the rest of Western Liberia. “The Pro-poor Agenda is working,” a resident was heard as saying, as the jubilant citizens in the area went about merry for the successful construction of the Bridge.

The atmosphere was electrifying; the tone imbued with gratification; and the symphony of blessedness and excitement characterized the historic ceremony.

The dedication on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at long last relieved the enigma-sufferings and difficulties- faced by travelers along the Timbo River Bridge when the 363 meters Bailey bridge was dedicated and commissioned by the CDC led Government under the watchful eyes od President George Weah.

Addressing cross-sections of citizens during the dedication of the project, Public Works Minister, Senator Mobutu Vlah Nyenpan expressed excitement for the completion of the bridge, adding that the move taken by the President to reactivate a contractual agreement between the Government of Liberia and Jupiter Construction company is in the best interest of the citizens, as the previous condition of the bridge was appalling, describing it a “death trap”.

He furthered: “If we look back at the sufferings and difficulties faced by both pedestrians and vehicles plying the area, then we must praise President Weah”, Minister Nyenpan intoned.

According to the Works Minister, the Government through its flagship Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development will continue to provide tangibles in service delivery by embarking on signature projects that affect every facet of the country.

Minister Nyenpan, a onetime Sinoe County Senator, also lauded the contractor – Jupiter Construction Incorporated, a purely Liberian-owned company for the completion of the project, noting that empowering Liberian businesses is key toward national growth and development.

“Bye Bye to the difficulties posed by the old Timbo River Bridge”, Works Minister Nyenpan lamented. He then praised the people of Grand Bassa and Rivercess Counties for the level of cooperation and support given the contractors.

Minister Nyenpan however stressed the need for the maintenance of the bridge, and pledged the Ministry’s fullest commitment to rehabilitate the roads leading to the Timbo Bridge.

For his part, the Managing Director of the National Port Port Authority, Bill Twehway thanked the Government of Liberia for the project, and said the President is committed to the infrastructural needs of the people. The NPA Managing Director who represented the President was filled with ecstasy and praised the people of Grand Bassa and Rivercess Counties for the huge turnout.

He indicated that the construction of the bridge marks the beginning of several projects in the area. “Plans are underway for the construction of housing units in Rivercess County”, MD Twehway averred.

Also speaking was the Speaker of the National Traditional Council of Liberia, Boye Koffi Zaah who led tons of traditional leaders of Rivercess County. The Rivercess County strongman speaking through an interpreter hailed the CDC led Administration through the Ministry of Public Works and promised the citizens’ support for the maintenance of the new Bailey bridge.

Koffi said: “The construction of this bridge will greatly alleviate the difficulties faced by the citizens, especially during the rainy season”.

It can be recalled that in May this year the Government of Liberia reactivated a contractual agreement with Jupiter Construction Company to delaunch the old Timbo Bridge situated between Grand Bassa and Rivercess Counties.

The old Timbo River Bridge was built in the 60’s through a USAID-funded project aimed at connecting major counties in the Southeast.

The Project Engineer of Jupiter Construction, Mr. Floyd Thomas is quoted as saying the new Timbo Bailey Bridge has a lifespan of eighty to one hundred years, with a tolerance level of 85 tonnage.

The construction of the Timbo River Bailey Bridge is the first of three bridges to be constructed including Cesstos Bridge and the Sanquin Bridge in Rivercess and Sinoe Counties respectfully.

Pundits say the construction of several infrastructures across the country undertaken by the Government is testament of the President’s desire to impact development, thereby improving the standard of living for Liberians.