By James Myking Suah, Grand Kru Correspondent

BARCLAYVILLE, July 16 (LINA) – Marketers in Grand Kru County have expressed support to the Government of Liberia for the procurement of earth-moving equipment to address the deplorable condition of roads in the country.

Speaking in an interview with the Liberia News Agency (LINA) on July 15, 2024, the General Marketing Superintendent at the Barclayville General Market, Finta Kollie launched a passionate appeal to the government to consider reconditioning the Grand Bassa to Barclayville route which she considers as the shortest route to the south east.

She lamented that the route from Grand Bassa to Barclayville is practically cut off, making movement nearly impossible for commuters.

Madam Kollie highlighted that if attention is given to the Barclayville to Grand Bassa corridors by the national government it will not only enhance trade but will also improve livelihood conditions of citizens in the Southeastern region.

"Barclayville to Buchanan is the shortest route to Monrovia, so we are appealing to the current government to prioritize rehabilitating the road for us to easily bring our goods. As business people, this road in question has become a serious nightmare for us in Grand Kru, it has even resulted in the increase in transportation,” Madam Kollie said.

Meanwhile, the Barclayville Market Superintendent also decried the unemployment rate in the county which according to her, is as a result of the lack of concessions as well as the absence of NGOs in the county.

She pointed out that the lack of employment opportunities in the county is negatively affecting the business community in the county.

Madam Kollie indicated that when NGOs and Concession companies are present in the County, it will further boost the business climate in Grand Kru County.

For his part, a prominent businessman identified as Robertson Chea explained that rehabilitating the road will facilitate the free movement of goods and reduce the challenges they are confronted with as business people.

He said they are excited with the news of yellow machines and want the government to focus on reconditioning the Barclayville to Buchanan Road corridors.

Mr. Chea explained to reporters in Barclayville that since the road was constructed by the Atlantic Resource Logging Company during the regime of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, it has not experienced major rehabilitation works on the corridor.

He said that all the wooding bridges along the route are damaged posing serious risk to commuters on a daily basis.