By T. Ezekiel Geeplay
Efforts to improve rural connectivity and spur local economic development in Nimba County received a major boost on Monday, October 5, 2026 with the groundbreaking for the rehabilitation of the Karnplay–Peelah Road in District #3.
The project is a joint initiative of the Office of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr. and District #3 Representative Hon. Nehker E. Gaye.
The groundbreaking ceremony was performed on behalf of the Vice President by his Chief of Office Staff, Prince Menkalo Gbieu.
The rehabilitation goes beyond roadworks, incorporating community infrastructure, and reflects a collective, counterpart-driven approach to development, a model increasingly encouraged under Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
The Karnplay-Peelah corridor is a vital farm-to-market link in Upper Nimba. During the rainy season, the stretch becomes nearly impassable, cutting off farming communities in Peelah, Gblor Dialah and surrounding villages from Karnplay — the district’s main commercial hub that links Sanniquellie and the Guinea border.
Speaking at the event, Gbieu reaffirmed Vice President Koung’s commitment to Nimba’s development, noting that road connectivity remains central to the Vice President’s vision for the county, where he served as Representative, Senator before his election.
Residents welcomed the initiative, calling on the Ministry of Public Works and development partners to compliment the community-led effort with technical supervision and later gravelling to make the road durable beyond the dry season.
Once completed, the Karnplay-Peelah rehabilitation is expected to enhance mobility, lower the cost of doing business, and stimulate economic and social activities across District #3 and beyond.