Monrovia, Liberia, March 26, 2025: The Minister of Public Works, Roland Layfette Giddings, has broken ground for the construction of the Kpayaquelleh Bridge that, when completed, will link Bong to Gbapolu County. The bridge construction reinforces the Government's dedication to its promise of connecting all counties through roads, which also requires the construction of bridges where necessary. The project further aims to enhance trade and commerce between the two regions with greater possibility of impacting Margibi and Montserrado Counties. 

Accordingly, the 825 feet long bridge which is to be built on the St. Paul River is a bailey bridge with concrete abortments and has a contract duration of twenty-four (24) months. It is designed to withstand heavy equipment with an elevated height of  24 feet above the maximum water level, providing accommodation for water transport. 

In a remark welcoming the Minister and his team, Elders of the two counties recounted the difficulties they had endured as a consequence of using canoe/fairy as the only means of travel between the counties. They explained how pregnant women, baby mothers, children, students, and the elderly have all gotten drowned at the crossing point. They, however, thanked the President for his deliberate attempt to end their suffering by building a bridge that is poised to bring relief to their people. 

Meanwhile the Representative of District #2, Gbapolu County, graced the occasion and expressed deep empathy with people of the two counties who are victims of tragedies that have happened over time. Representative Luther Collins explained how important the project is and vowed to form collaboration with his Bong counterparts to protect materials brought on site for the construction, adding that he will stop at nothing to bring to law anyone who is caught armtwisting the project through thievery.

Responding to the supportive comments from leaders of the both counties, Minster Giddings showed appreciation for their kind words and laid emphasis on President Boakai 's dedication to road infrastructure throughout his six year term. The Minister added that the move is geared towards connecting Sanoyea to Bopolu City and the Kpayaquelleh Bridge is just the first step towards achieving this ambitious goal. “While the bridge may bring relief and enhance economic activities in the region, it will be of no good if the road condition remains the same. As a Ministry, we are proud to announce that plans are underway to carry out full rehabilitation of the road to commensurate with the beauty of the soon to be constructed bridge”, Minister Giddings stated. The Minister also encouraged the elders to be their own security and ensure that the project goes on as planned without any hindrance, as he guaranteed thorough monitoring of the project by the Ministry's Bridge Unit.

The ceremony was followed by site inspection of ongoing works.