MONROVIA – What appears to be budding disagreement with the potential to trigger crisis between the government of Liberia and the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) over a bridge project in Gbarpolu County is being adverted by the party, which has voluntarily grounded arms and confirmed commitment to working for development in peace.
The party, in a statement, said on Friday, announced its intention to travel to Gbarpolu County to break ground for the construction of a bridge that has, for more than 50 years, which had claimed the lives of citizens and allegedly neglected by successive governments – abandonment the party described “a symbol of abandonment and state failure”.
“To our surprise, shortly after our announcement, the government has deployed its yellow machines and manpower to the site, now claiming that it intends to rehabilitate the bridge,” the party stated. “While we applaud any genuine effort to ease the suffering of the Liberian people, we hope this action is not simply an attempt to block the CMC from delivering on a promise the government itself has failed to fulfill for decades.”
He party made it known that it does not seek to compete with the Government of Liberia in the realm of development, but “we welcome any collaboration or parallel effort that advances the cause of the Liberian people.”
“If our commitment to action has stirred the conscience of the government to finally address the needs of our citizens, then we are proud to be the spark,” said the CMC, adding: “We have similar projects pending in Bong County, River Gee County, and a major bridge linking Bong and Nimba Counties. Should the government wish to undertake these as well, we will gladly step aside to attend to other equally urgent needs across the nation. For us, this is not about credit. It is about results.”
The CMC said it exists for the sole purpose of serving the Liberian people and remains unwavering in the belief that development is not a favor, it is a duty.
“And if, in our pursuit of that duty, we awaken a dormant government to its own responsibilities, then our mission is already bearing fruit,” it said. “Ultimately, the competition that matters most is not between parties or personalities, but between poverty and progress. And if the people win, then Liberia wins. We will continue to act. We will continue to serve. We will continue to lead.”
Bridge jealously quarantined
It can be recalled the Ministry of Justice issued a press release indicating that in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works it was prohibiting movements as of Saturday, July 12, 2025, on the “Bambu Town Bridge, serving as the main gateway into Bopolu City, is temporarily closed for urgent repairs.”
The release said the closure was expected to last until Sunday, July 13, 2025.
“The decision aims to protect commuters and enhance critical infrastructure in Gbarpolu County.
Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area or proceed with extreme caution,” the government said, noting that “intermittent access will be granted to vehicles at designated times.”