By: Gabriel M. C. Parker
BOMI COUNTY – A growing dispute has emerged between Geoskope Construction Company and the Bomi County administration over the incomplete rehabilitation of a key road project in Rural Senjeh District.
The project, which began in 2023, aimed to rehabilitate a 25.5-kilometer stretch of road from Coleman Hill to Sackie Town, connecting several towns and villages with a combined population of more than 6,000 residents.
Following a unanimous decision by delegates at the April 29, 2023 County Sitting, the contract was awarded to Geoskope Construction Company with a budget allocation of $500,000.
However, tensions have risen over the implementation of the agreement and the disbursement of funds.
Contractor Claims Breach of Agreement
Franklin Benda, General Manager of Geoskope Construction Company, has accused the Bomi County administration of failing to honor the terms of the agreement. According to Benda, the company received 60% of the project funding up front and began work as agreed. But later, county authorities allegedly demanded the project be fully completed before releasing the remaining 40%.
“We have done everything as per the agreement, but our efforts to get the payment have gone unnoticed,” Benda told journalists. “It’s frustrating and unfair.”
County Administration Disputes Allegations
In response, Alfred Zinnah, head of the Bomi County Development Office, rejected Benda’s claims, insisting that the county has not breached any contractual terms.
Zinnah explained that Geoskope was specifically instructed to install culverts at every major drainage point along the road to prevent flooding. He claimed the company failed to follow this directive, leading to major problems for commuters during the rainy season.
“The company has not fulfilled its obligations under the agreement,” Zinnah stated. “They were told to erect culverts at every major drainage, but they didn’t do it.”
Community Impact and Calls for Resolution
The ongoing dispute has raised concerns about the project’s future and the condition of the road, especially during the rainy season. Residents have expressed frustration over deteriorating drainage areas, describing the situation as “embarrassing.”
Several community members are now calling on both parties to resolve their differences for the greater good of the people.
“We just want an accessible and safe road,” said one resident. “They need to put their disagreements aside and finish what they started.”
As the standoff continues, questions remain about the completion of the project and the accountability of both the contractor and the local authorities.
