Lone Star Faces Blockade In Bong County
-Lease Agreement Backfires

By: C. Winston Kerkula

 

Forum
Monrovia, Liberia

Distributed by

The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia

October 13, 2004

Controversy is said to be brewing amongst local government officials of the Bong County, regarding the construction of the Lone Star Communication Company (LCC) structures in the area.

Recently, pressure groups headed by Messrs Henry Fuah Peabody, William Papa Flomo and Joko Kuyon filed a legal suit before Magistrate Alfred Managbolor, alleging that Gbarnga City Mayor, Esther Walker, had leased a private land to the management of the Lone Star Cell-phone for its extension into Bong County.

At a conference presided over by Magistrate Manogbolor, the complainant alleged that the Lone Star management has already presented US$ 15000.00 as part payment of a US$25000.00 deal for the construction of LCC’s communication structure; but Madam Walker has since denied the allegation.

In his condemnation, Bong County Youth President, Mr. Emmanuel Quennah said, the lack of adequate information in the signing of any agreement between the county authorities and the Lone Star communication Corporation on the other hand, is intended to deny the citizens of their basic social and economic benefits.
The youth leaders said, the signing of US$15000.00 agreement by Mayor Walker should have met the approval of the citizens of Bong County including the Youth.

He called on the county authorities to create room for transparency, accountability, rule of law and respect for human dignity.

Meanwhile, pending court preceding, a stop order has been placed on the LCC’s construction.
Consequently, the Lone Star Cell phone company has begun the construction of its gadgets in Ganta, Nimba County.

At the same time, many citizens spoken to blamed authorities of the county for love of money, which has brought total division, and the lack of development in the county.

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