Saclepea City – Residents of Saclepea, including business owners have expressed gratitude to Superintendent Kou Meapeah Gono, whom they hail as a “development hero” since her appointment by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
By D. Franklin Doloquee
They credit her with delivering equipment and development initiatives unmatched since the administration of former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
Addressing reporters at a gathering in Saclepea City, residents noted that the modern City Hall is the first to be constructed in the city.
Mercy Quoi and Ericson Konah praised Supt. Gono’s leadership for enabling citizens to feel the impact of Nimba County’s social development funding from ArcelorMittal Liberia, which provides US$1.5 Million annually.
They claimed Saclepea residents had not benefited from this funding under past administrations, but are now seeing its effects from the company’s operations in the county.
“This is the first of its kind for us, brother,” one resident said. “Since the mining company entered the county and Liberia in general in 2006, it is through Superintendent Kou Meapeah Gono’s administration that we are now benefiting from the social development funding, which we had not been able to access before.”
Residents also praised President Boakai and Vice President Koung’s government for paving and completing the Ganta-Saclepea Road, sponsored by the government, as well as the Saclepea-Tappita Road, which is 98% complete by CRSG Construction Company – a firm citizens described as the best road builder.
The Saclepea-Tappita Road is sponsored by the World Bank. The Saclepea City Hall is expected to be inaugurated shortly.
In Buu-Yao District Number Five, citizens echoed similar praise for Supt. Gono. They said Butuo City has lacked development since the civil war began in 1989, when rebels entered Liberia, but under her administration, they are now feeling the impact of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s development activities across the county, including rural areas.
Recently, Supt. Gono told reporters she will not stop development activities across the county and pledged to continue serving all 19 administrative districts. Boosted by support from lawmakers, Nimbaians and the national government, she disclosed plans to continue women empowerment and development initiatives, ensuring citizens feel greater development impacts than under past governments and county leadership.
