Liberia: LAO Beipa Town Residents, Others Threaten to Boycott 2029 Elections If… - FrontPageAfrica

NIMBA –Residents of LAO Beipa Town and five neighboring communities including  Zanpa, Tunukpuyee, Zarnsonnon Town and Tunudia—in Nimba County’s District Number 8 have  threatened to  boycott  the  2029 Presidential and Legislative Elections  if a vital bridge linking their towns is not repaired before the elections.

By D. Franklin Doloquee

The communities boast of  over 15,000 registered voters.

The bridge, essential for school children, traders and daily travel between these towns, has lain in ruins for years after collapsing. “We’re living like animals,” said elders’ representative I.G. Gokor of LAO Beipa Town.

“Children can’t go to school without crossing that mess. People from towns across the water have no access to education, health care or other basic needs.”

Frustration stems from unfulfilled campaign promises by local leaders, including District #8 Representative  Saye  Mianah who has yet to visit since his election.

Residents accuse  Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr., Senator Samuel Kogar, and Vice President Jeremiah Koung  of abandoning the area.

“During campaigns, they came  and fooled us, promising to build the bridge,” said Amos Blagay from Tunukpuyee Town.  “But after winning, they have  never returned. Heavy machinery passes through for roadwork in other LAO Clan towns, ignoring us. You want to reach the next town? There’s no way—the bridge is disconnected,” Mr. Blagay  asserted.

 “If the government won’t help, we’re not giving votes. We won’t let anyone claim we’re voting while our children suffer or die,” Mr. Blagay  stated.

“The crisis worsens with rains.  Schools shutter, farms become inaccessible and the local clinic risks closure. Pregnant women and emergencies force perilous crossings,’’ he continued.

“When rainfall comes, kids wade through the water to reach school,” another  resident  of the town  told Front Page Africa(FPA)  reporter.  

“Women deliver on the highway while seeking treatment from towns across the bridge. I’ve seen pregnant people suffering in that sick water. it’s not a small problem.”

Winifred Sayekain accused politicians of empty promises.  “They campaigned saying they’d fixed  it, but plenty of time has passed.”

Residents warned  of business losses and isolation, urging leaders to fulfill pledges made three years ago.

No responses have come from Rep. Mianah, Senators Twayen and Kogar, and Vice President Koung. “We’ve been crying and begging,” Mr. Sayekain pleaded. “Come fix it before it’s too late.”