House Calls Public Works Minister Over Stalled Bong Bridge Project

Published: November 14, 2025 Minister Roland Lafayette Giddings is set to encounter rigorous inquiry during his appearance before the House...

Published: November 14, 2025

Minister Roland Lafayette Giddings is set to encounter rigorous inquiry during his appearance before the House next week.

CAPITOL HILL --The House of Representatives has called for Public Works Minister Roland Lafayette Giddings to testify before the entire assembly on Tuesday, November 18, following allegations that he independently halted the construction of the Jor River Bridge, a project supported by local communities and seen as essential for thousands of residents in Bong County.

The action comes after a formal complaint from Bong County District #3 Representative Marvin Cole, who informed the assembly that the halt order issued by Minister Giddings jeopardizes a key $500,000 Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) project designed to enhance transportation between Gbarnga, Ganta, and Monrovia. Cole characterized the minister's move as "unjustified" and "detrimental," cautioning that the decision endangers advancements on a project the community has worked on for over four decades.

"The Jor River Bridge is vital for thousands of Liberians," Cole wrote. He mentioned that many residents have lost their lives trying to cross the river during rainy seasons and stated that the bridge would help ease travel for commuters and merchants throughout central Liberia. Speaking at the plenary session, he noted that lawmakers should support their voters when development projects face obstacles, highlighting that continued delays could increase public dissatisfaction.

The discussion became more heated when CMC Political Leader and Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Hassan Bility spoke up, accusing Minister Giddings of proceeding without approval from the administration. Bility informed legislators that senior officials, including the vice president and various senators, had verified that the minister acted independently. He described the choice as "unreasonable and self-serving," and claimed the minister showed "overconfidence and misuse of power" by openly stating there was no plan for the project.

The Minister should be promoting growth and providing technical support," Bility stated. "However, he appeared on the radio and made inaccurate claims. All necessary paperwork had already been filed.

The conflict led to a proposal from Ivar Jones, the representative of District #2 in Margibi County, who requested that the minister and his technical team present themselves before the House to justify their choice. Jones cautioned against turning road and bridge development into a political matter, highlighting that Liberia's road system is still significantly lacking, even though it is crucial for the country's stability and progress. He mentioned that the House anticipates the minister to provide an explanation, as only the Ministry of Public Works has the authority to represent the government regarding infrastructure matters.

Lawmakers alleged that Giddings independently halted the building of the Jor River Bridge.

In reaction to the debate, the Ministry of Public Works defended its halt order in a letter addressed to CMC National Chairman James M.V. Yougie. The Ministry mentioned that it paused the work since the group failed to provide all necessary technical papers. Minister Giddings noted that the government had already set aside money for building the same bridge and was completing its own designs for purchasing. The Ministry referenced the lack of several essential reports, such as site topography, geotechnical research, hydrological and hydraulic assessments, and structural blueprints. It claimed that no building can continue until engineers examine and authorize these conditions.

Local officials have raised worries regarding the absence of collaboration. Bong County Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris stated that her office was never consulted to examine the plan or supervise the project. She highlighted that although community efforts are valued, they should adhere to appropriate protocols and collaborate with county officials.

The conflict has sparked a nationwide discussion about the involvement of political organizations and public initiatives in development, particularly when their activities overlap with government-controlled areas such as road and bridge building. Advocates for the CMC project argue that the bridge represents the strength of community-driven efforts to tackle persistent infrastructure issues, whereas opponents caution that poorly coordinated construction might endanger safety protocols and administrative control.

For Rep. Cole, the matter strikes at the heart of representation. "This bridge symbolizes hope for our community," he stated. "Politics should not create divisions or impede advancement."

Minister Giddings is set to encounter rigorous scrutiny during his appearance before the House next week.

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