YARPAH TOWN, River Cess – On Monday, the side of the Timbo River Bridge that was being used as an alternative route for smaller vehicles fell into the river, making it impossible for even motorcycles to now cross.

The bridge got badly damaged on the night of June 6, and it was declared unusable by authorities.

A day later, the county authority, together with Mandra Forestry Liberia Limited, one of the logging companies in the county, conducted a makeshift repair to allow smaller vehicles to pass through to supply the southeastern counties with basic commodities.

Officers were assigned to the bridge to ensure that no heavy-duty vehicles could cross the bridge. Some trucks were even impounded at the Yarpah Town Police Detail for crossing the bridge at night while the officers were away.

However, it appears that some shady activities occurred at the bridge. On Sunday evening, heavy-duty trucks carrying planks, timber, and other goods were parked near the Yarpah Town checkpoint; however, on Monday morning, most of the trucks had left and the portion of the bridge that was temporarily repaired had collapsed, preventing even a motorcycle from crossing.

How the trucks crossed the checkpoint to get to the bridge remains unanswered, but some citizens were quick to accuse the local county authorities and police officers at the Yarpah Town checkpoint of accepting bribes from the trucks drivers.

Citizens accused the assistant superintendent of development, Ruth Sawmadal, and detail commander Ojukue Weeks, of accepting US$100 bribes from each truck driver to allow them to cross.

One of the officers who were on duty that night told The Bush Chicken that Sawmadal mandated that trucks with perishable goods should be allowed to cross despite the condition of the bridge.

“On Sunday, the [development superintendent] told us to allow those trucks carrying goods that can spoil to cross,” said the officer, who spoke anonymously for fear of retribution. “I allowed four trucks to cross, but I don’t know how the others left because I left later and went to rest.”

Speaking to The Bush Chicken, via mobile phone on Tuesday morning, Sawmadal denied the allegations.

“Why will we collect money from drivers, and how much will [we] get so much that we will spoil our names?” Sawmadal said. “We were there Sunday and we told the people that no car was allowed to [cross].”

When asked for an explanation on how the trucks crossed the checkpoint, Sawmadal said, “That is left with the police to answer.”

Featured photo by Eric Doue