
24/06/2025
Government Or Individual Foundation's? Tienpo Nyonken River Nur Bridge Construction in Two Hands in River Gee
By: Ben TC Brooks
River Gee County - [June 24, 2025] - In a notable advancement for infrastructure and connectivity in River Gee County, Government of Liberia has unveiled plans to construct the Tienpo Nyonken River Nur Bridge.
The project designed to improve access to remote communities, promote economic growth, and ensure the safe transport of goods and services throughout the county.
Located in southeastern Liberia, River Gee County is recognized for its abundant resources and active communities; however, inadequate infrastructure has long impeded its development.
County Superintendent Mike Swengbe announced that the government has allocated US$60,000 (sixty thousand dollars) for the bridge's construction. A local construction company, Liberia Homeland, will oversee the project via the Ministry of Public Works.
On a separate front, Musa Hassan Bility, the Representative for Nimba County’s electoral district 7 and the political leader of the Citizens Movement for Change, has also revealed to work together with the Kunkun Care Foundation to construct a bailey bridge in the Tienpo statutory district of River Gee County.
Bility expressed on his official Facebook account, "We are uniting with Kunkun Care Foundation to assist the people of River Gee County. Together, we aim for a new Liberia, united in our efforts.”
Recognized for his philanthropic activities, Bility has previously funded bridge projects in Nimba County through the Bility Foundation. The latest effort includes a groundbreaking ceremony for the St. John River Bridge, which will connect lower Nimba to B**g County and will significantly benefit communities such as Zekepa and Zoweinta.
In response to Bility's plans, Cllr. Kunkunyon Teh, CEO of Kunkun Care Foundation, also took to Facebook, affirming the partnership with Bility Foundation and emphasizing the necessity of the bridge for the Tienpo community, stating, “Our efforts will be effective. The deal is finalized, and any delay will be unjust to the people of Tienpo.”
Cllr. Teh later shared photographs of construction materials, indicating they are on their way to the Tienpo community, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years.
Well-regarded for his humanitarian initiatives, Cllr. Teh has provided extensive support across various sectors in River Gee County.
However, residents of the Tienpo Administrative District have suffered since the River Nur Nyonken Bridge collapsed during severe flooding, cutting off access for thousands, including those involved in gold mining.
Community members have voiced their frustration over what they view as governmental neglect concerning the urgent repairs needed for the River Nur Tienpo Nyonken Bridge.
In November 2024, the Ministry of Public Works undertook a bridge assessment following local media reports highlighting the residents' ongoing difficulties.
The government has proposed considering a more durable iron (bailey) bridge as a replacement for the damaged log bridge, which originally connected the southeastern counties of Grand Kru, Sinoe, and River Gee.
The original bridge was constructed in 2017 by Alexander Poure, the representative for River Gee County's Electoral District 1, but collapsed in September 2024 due to heavy rains, significantly impacting transportation in the densely populated gold mining vicinity of Tienpo Nyonken.
Amidst these challenges, Rev. J. Henry Baysah, who led the assessment for the Ministry of Public Works, reassured the community that plans for a more robust iron bridge are underway to prevent future incidents; however, observable government action remains limited.
The assessment team included River Gee County Superintendent Milk T. Swengbe and other local officials involved in the evaluation process.
Despite the ongoing hardships, residents remain optimistic about the upcoming partnership aimed at reconstructing the damaged bridge in River Gee County.