The plight of the citizens of Tongbnyah Clan in Yellequelleh District #5, Bong County, Liberia, underscores the pervasive challenge of unmet political promises and the devastating impact of neglected infrastructure on rural communities. Over a year past President Boakai’s ambitious pledge to eradicate impassable roads within his first 100 days, the reality for these citizens remains starkly different. Their roads remain treacherous, hindering economic activity and isolating them from essential services. This broken promise highlights a disconnect between political rhetoric and the lived experiences of those in marginalized areas.
The crux of the issue lies in the deplorable condition of the road connecting Tongbnyah Clan to the rest of Bong County. This critical artery, left to deteriorate over years of government neglect, has become a symbol of broken promises and forgotten communities. The road’s disrepair has far-reaching consequences, crippling the local economy and hindering access to healthcare, education, and other essential services. Farmers, the backbone of the community’s economy, are particularly hard-hit. Their inability to transport produce to market due to the impassable roads results in significant income loss, trapping them in a cycle of poverty. This predicament not only affects the farmers themselves but also undermines the food security of the entire region.
The citizens of Tongbnyah Clan are not passive victims. They have voiced their frustrations and called upon their elected officials, Senator Prince K. Moye, Senator Johnny Kpehe, and their District Lawmaker, to honor the promises made during their campaigns. These promises, made during the 2020 mid-term senatorial elections and the 2023 general elections, offered hope for improved infrastructure and a brighter future. However, the continued neglect of the road has turned hope into disillusionment and fueled a growing sense of betrayal. The citizens’ plea is not merely for a functional road; it’s a demand for accountability and a recognition of their fundamental right to access and opportunity.
Emmanuel P. Mulbah, speaking on behalf of the community, articulates their collective frustration. He highlights the years of government inaction that have led to the current crisis. His words underscore the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate intervention. Mulbah’s appeal to Senators Moye and Kpehe emphasizes the crucial role these elected officials play in advocating for their constituents. He urges them to prioritize the road rehabilitation in their legislative agenda and work collaboratively with the district lawmaker to secure the necessary funding. This call for collaborative action highlights the importance of coordinated efforts between local and national government to address critical infrastructure needs.
The plea extends beyond the local representatives to encompass the national government. Mulbah’s appeal to the national government underscores the need for a broader recognition of the challenges facing rural communities and the responsibility of the central government to provide equitable access to resources and development opportunities. The dire situation in Tongbnyah Clan serves as a microcosm of the broader infrastructure deficit plaguing Liberia’s rural areas. The neglect of these communities perpetuates a cycle of poverty and marginalization, hindering national development and undermining the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.
The deteriorating road in Yellequelleh District #5 is more than just a transportation issue; it’s a symbol of broken promises, a testament to the consequences of government neglect, and a stark reminder of the disparities between urban and rural Liberia. The citizens of Tongbnyah Clan are not merely asking for a road; they are demanding recognition, demanding access, and demanding the fulfillment of the promises that brought their elected officials to power. Their voices, amplified by local media, echo the aspirations of countless rural communities across Liberia, yearning for the basic infrastructure necessary to participate fully in the nation’s economic and social life. The story of Tongbnyah Clan serves as a potent reminder of the urgent need for tangible action, not empty pronouncements, to bridge the infrastructure gap and ensure that the benefits of development reach all corners of Liberia. Their hope remains that their persistent calls for action will finally be heard and translated into concrete steps towards a more equitable and prosperous future.
