Liberia: Ganta–Saclepea Road Cut Off, Travelers Remain Stranded

NIMBA COUNTY – Residents and travelers reported that normal movement along the Ganta–Saclepea Highway and surrounding roads has grounded  to a halt after heavy downpour of rains overwhelmed temporary worksites and unfinished bridges.

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By Franklin Doloquee  

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Local business owners and commuters said the hardest-hit locations include the Ganta–Saclepea corridor in District 8, the Sanniquellie–Karnplay stretch via Loguatuo and the Zorgowee–Dulay route in District 3.

Those stranded described scenes of flooded roadbeds, washed-out approaches to bridge sites and pools of standing water that make passage impossible for vehicles.

“People have been sleeping by the roadside for two nights because they cannot cross,” said Annie Myres, a business owner in Saclepea. Emmanuel Mehn of Tappita gave a similar account, saying traders and passengers were left waiting with limited food and shelter.

Travelers singled out Coco Construction Company for the Ganta–Saclepea works, saying bridge sites there are especially vulnerable to the recent heavy rains.

County and district officials have not reported any fatalities related to the flooding so far, but they warned that continued rains could worsen the situation.

Local authorities have called for emergency assessments to determine, which bridges and road sections, need immediate repair or temporary detours to restore movement and supply lines.

The transport disruption is already affecting market supplies and school attendance in the area.  

Traders report delayed deliveries of foodstuffs and farm produce, while passengers face longer journeys or the inability to travel at all.

Motorbike riders and pedestrians attempting to cross flooded sections risk being swept away by strong flows.  Community leaders are asking the national government and humanitarian organizations to provide temporary crossing solutions, emergency shelter for stranded travelers and traffic control at hazardous sites.

They also urged contractors to secure work sites against floods to prevent further isolation of communities.

For now, travelers wishing to move between Ganta, Saclepea, Tappita, Sanniquellie  and Karnplay are advised to seek local guidance and avoid attempting to cross flooded sections. Meanwhile, CICO and other Construction companies refused to speak to reporters when asked about the situation.