By: E. Geedahgar Garsuah
MONROVIA: Citizens of Sanoyea District #7, Bong County, are appealing to outgoing President George Weah to at least fulfill one of the promises he made during the 2023 Presidential and Legislative campaign.
They specifically want him to provide a ferry on the St. Paul River, which would ensure safe and easy access to neighboring Fuamah District.
During the 2023 Presidential and Legislative elections, President Weah mentioned his intention to replace the current wooden ferry with a modern one within two weeks if he was reelected to the Nation’s Presidency.
However, incumbent President Weah was defeated at the 2023 polls by Unity Party (UP) candidate, Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
The Liberians leader, during the campaign era, instructed the head of the Liberia Maritime Authority, (LiMA) Lenn Eugene Nagbe, to work with the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Samuel Tweah, Jr., to expedite the project to ensure safety and smooth transportation while a modern bridge project was being planned.
“My administration will make sure to change this ferry and start the pavement of the road in two weeks,” Weah told the residents of the district at the time.
However, the residents said since President Weah made this promise, they have not seen any progress, a situation that is breeding a high level of frustration among the citizenry.
“We have not seen any work about the ferry since the President left this place and our people are waiting to hear from him and his people,” an elder of the area told this reporter. “The President puts people in charge to take care of this ferry thing and they must do it,” one resident said.
Additionally, the lack of implementation of the President’s promise has prompted residents to channel their appeal to the outgoing President through Jacob Sumo Jackson, who contested for the District Representative seat in 2023 elections on the ticket of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), but lost.
The residents believe that if President Weah fulfills these promises, it could enhance his chances in future elections and solidify his position in the country’s political landscape.
Jackson, who finished 6th in the October 10 elections, urged the inhabitants of Sanoyea and Fuamah Districts to remain patient, assuring them that President Weah has been committed to improving the country’s infrastructure.
He also said that he is providing job opportunities in the district through agricultural activities and is ready to assist if the President does not fulfill his promises.
Additionally, Jackson mentioned that President Weah would visit the district to express his appreciation for the support he received during the elections.
He praised President Weah for his developmental promises and cited other infrastructure projects, such as the Invincible Sports Park, as examples of his leadership.
It, however, remains to be seen whether President Weah will fulfill his promise and provide the ferry for the residents of Sanoyea District despite the fact that the vary residents of the area rejected his reelection.
