28/09/2022
A Legacy of Tangibles
Ahead of 2023, Weah-Taylor Ticket Light-Up Voters Confidence
David B. Kolleh
Weah and his VP are optimistic about the future. They have shared a political marriage which thrives on trust, mutual respect, sheer values, love for country and ideals of common purpose. Their political chemistry is carved out of diamonds- strong and unbreakable.
The duo have faced challenges, and are still confronting the daunting task of running Liberia- a nation mending the broken pieces from more than a decade long civil war, Ebola outbreak and a devastating Corona Virus pandemic.
Recovery from the latter has been an uphill task, not just for Liberia, but the rest of the world. However, President Weah and his VP are stronger together, hopeful and committed to turning uncertainties into virtues. There is no denial they’re delivering the near-impossible.
In January this year, President Weah delivered the State of the Nation Address - reporting to the National Legislature progress made by his government under difficult circumstances.
In his late afternoon message, the Liberian leader rallied the nation to remain steadfast as he delivers on his commitments.
Coronavirus left behind devastating impacts both on the economy and livelihood across the globe. In Liberia it affected job creation, income, food and fuel prices.
The Liberian Leader reminded Liberians that his vision for the socio-economic wellbeing of the country remains on track in spite of any turbulence.
From building roads, meeting education needs, delivering on rural housing for poor families; elevating healthcare through the construction of new hospitals, and championing women and girls empowerment, Weah does not seem to be left behind as the nation braces to go to the polls next year. He is confident like the head of a lion pride- energized and ready for business.
Dubbed “Bad road and darkness medicine,” Weah is connecting roads throughout the four regions of the country, and has put street lights in almost every capital.
For Lofa, it is not just the roads, the Northern county is getting its first ever hydro plant.
The project is a 2.5 Megawatts hydro power plant funded by the government with support from the World Bank. The plant has a corresponding 115km of transmission and distribution infrastructure, and 1.8MW diesel backup facility that will provide access to electricity for about 50,000 people, including small businesses, associations and public institutions in Lofa County (with focus on the towns of Voinjama, Foya, Kolahun and Massambolahun/Bolahun and surrounding areas.
The Salayea- Voinjama road is ongoing. The asphalt pavement is giving commuters a sigh of relief as the dust finally disappears- restoring hope to thousands along that northern corridor.
In Foya, a super structure with modern youth center, and a radio station combined has been completed.
The streets in Foya are paved with high grade cement pavement- giving the city a facelift. Solar street lights illuminate the evening skies over the densely populated town.
Voinjama like other rural cities is paved and solar powered lights beaming across hills and Rocky Mountains of the northern capital. As the sun sets away into the clouds everyday, students would gather in the center of the town with their notes to study- utilizing the government provided solar lights.
In Nimba, Ganta-Yekepa road, Sanniquille-Logatuo, Ganta- Saclapea, Saclapea to Tapitta, stretching up to Grand Gedeh are ongoing.
Ganta and Saniquille are enjoying benefits of the CLSG power grid. Businesses are relieved from power outages. This has put new life in the night time economy. During a Cabinet retreat in Ganta early July this year, President Weah ordered the installation of street lights across one of the busiest cities in Liberia.
In the South East, Fish Town to Kilipo Karwea-ken to Plebo, from Harper to Ivory border roads have been completed.
In Maryland an agribusiness hub for cash crops was completed by the government costing more than $300,000. This facility is helping oil palm, cocoa and cassava producers to store their produce.
In Grand Kru more than 187 housing units were completed for rural dwellers. Street lights installation and the pavement of Sass Town and Barclayville main streets have broken decades of neglect by past governments.
In Grand Gedeh more than 100 housing Units have given hope to 5,000 people on the outskirts of Zwedru. Their harvest will no longer risk being destroyed by mid year rains.
In B**g County, the County’s only Technical College has received budgetary allocation to complete the main structure. The government also paved major streets in Gbarnga which was followed by installation of solar power lights along the main streets. Lace is constructing a super modern market structure for women on the outskirts of Gbarnga. Additionally, more than 500 volunteer teachers have been placed on the government’s payroll.
Gbarpolu has seen the construction of an ultra modern 100 bed hospital, expected to provide health services to more than 200,000 people is Western Liberia. Negotiations are in the works to pave the road from Bomi county to Borpolu city.
The Medina Robert Sport road has already commenced. It is expected to be a major game changer in the tourism industry. Grand Cape Mount is home to Lake Piso and one of the subregion’s best surfing destinations, just off the coast in RobertSport.
VP Taylor, a powerful voice for women and girls is relentless in her support for her Boss. The VP has been rallying B**g for the reelection of President Weah - a man she said has profoundly inspired her. She told a hall crowded with people that President Weah is ready for a new mandate.
Electorates are upbeat about their Stewardship, and have vowed to give them another mandate. During the opening of Modern Sports Park, residents of the James Spring Field Community lauded the Liberian leader for his vision and farsightedness. Weah gifted them 50 modern housing units, furnished and electrified. For them, the gesture meant everything.
Love Jacobs, 43 told FrontPageAfrica that field used to be a risky zone, occupied by criminals, and served as the public latrine for the majority of the residents of the slum community.
“This field you see used to be our toilet ground, where men women, and children go to pupu, looking at each other,” he said.
She added, “Criminals used to run behind us on this field and harassed us for money or any valuable things. Armed robbers used to come and sit and harassed us when we are passing on the field.”
She also said construction of the housing units by President Weah now saves her from the regular harassment she received from the owner of the zinc shack she used to reside in.
She continued: “We have suffered in this community because the people suppressed us here. Those of us who were renting in zinc houses were thrown out and mocked due to lack of money. I and rats and other insects used to live in this place, but with these new structures, we will be all right here. Sickness will not easily bother us.”
Ma-Venue Gardea, another resident of the area, also informed FrontPageAfrica that she had lived in that vicinity for over 20 years and to see such a modern structure along with a park that will benefit her children is like a dream.
She expressed hope that President Weah will do more developments across Liberia.
“For him to build houses for us the less fortunate people, we tell him thanks, because this is very important for us and we know he will do more,” Madam Gardea said.
These stories are just a blip of how much this team has transformed lives in slums like Doe Community, Popo Beach, Duala and West Point.
