Cotton Tree & Dolo Town, Margibi County – Margibi County Electoral District #2 Representative, Ivar K. Jones, completed two decisive steps in the areas of education and infrastructural development over the weekend.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Rep. Jones first presented certificates and official payment receipts to more than 188 students benefiting from his educational scholarship program in the district and then dedicated a long-yarned-for bridge that connects the densely populated community of Dolo Town and other surrounding communities and villages.
The presentation ceremony was held on Friday at the lawmaker’s district office in Cotton Tree, Mboo Statutory District.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Rep. Jones stressed the critical need for education for Liberian school as pivotal to the growth and development of Liberia.
In so doing, he pointed out that making meaningful and lasting impacts in the lives of Liberians, especially so in the area of education for those with limited or no means for financial resources, is an important step to lifting the country.
He disclosed that the scholarship initiative started since 2016 and since then, it continues to support students across the district.
The lawmaker called on parents and school administrators to devote greater time, care, and attention to the academic and moral development of the children, emphasizing that education remains a shared responsibility.
Students and parents, visibly excited and appreciative, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Rep. Jones for the initiative. Many parents praised him for easing the burden on families who struggle to afford school fees, describing the support as timely and life-changing.
Rep. Jones noted that the scholarship program is being implemented under the banner of Progressive Friends of Ivar Jones (PROFIJ), an initiative aimed at promoting education, empowerment, and community development within Margibi County.
He reaffirmed his commitment to continue supporting educational opportunities for young people in the district, stressing that investing in education is key to building a stronger and more prosperous society.
In a related development, the Margibi County District #2 Representative under the auspices of the Legislative Support Project implemented by through the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) a modern footpath bridge in Dolo Town.
The bridge, which can accommodate pedestrians, motorcycles, and keh-kehs, was constructed following the deaths and injuries of several citizens, including schoolchildren, who previously attempted to cross the river in the area.
The project was implemented at the cost of US$53,602.44 with the Government of Liberia (GoL) providing US$37,000 to LACE, with the remaining US$16,602.44 provided by the lawmaker office.
The bridge, which aims to solve the long-standing threat faced by the people, will serve the people of Dolo Town, Sam Town, and other adjacent communities.
Remarking at the official dedicatory ceremony, Rep. Jones extolled LACE and the contractors for the successful completion of the project.
Contrary to information circulating on social media regarding the project’s scope and cost, he noted that the bridge was constructed in full compliance with the approved design and budget and not US$250,000 as claimed.
“This bridge belongs to you, the people. You were here during the groundbreaking, and you know what existed before. Today, you can compare the blueprint to what is on the ground. What you see here is consistent with the approved design,” said the Margibi lawmaker.
He officially turned over the bridge and its blueprint to the community and called on residents to take collective responsibility for its protection and maintenance.
Rep. cautioned beneficiaries of the bridge, particularly residents of Dolo Town and nearby communities as well as commuters to help in the maintenance of the bridge.
“We ask you to safeguard this bridge and ensure it is used for its intended purpose. If people begin to vandalize it, we will not have the opportunity to return for repairs, as our focus will be on bringing relief to other communities.”
The joyous beneficiaries then chanted different political slogans in support of the lawmaker’s initiative and expressed profound appreciation.
Prior to the construction of the bridge, residents said the pathway had been a deathtrap to commuters, particularly students and marketers.
“What our son has done here today is laudable and we must thank him for it. That’s why you see me dancing here. I am so happy, because this is the first time in the history of these communities that we are going to have such an important project,” Mary Dee, a resident of Dolo Town, explained to this paper in her local Bassa vernacular.
Like Rep. Jones, “Ma Mary,” as she is affectionately called, warned against the misuse of the bridged, especially washing of clothes directly under the pillars.
“This bridge is here and it’s here for all of us. It’s now our duty to maintain it. The way we will treat this bridge it’s how it will last long for us. But if start washing under this bridge for the caustic to be eating the cement, then it will not stay long.”
The dedication ceremony was attended by the Director of LACE Mr. Julius K. Sele, the Mayor of Unification Town, traditional elders, community leaders, and other local officials.
The LACE boss expressed the unwavering support his office to all 103 lawmakers – both in the House of Representatives and the Liberian Senate.
