Gbartala, Bong County — Bong County Electoral District 5 Representative Eugine J.M. Kollie has concluded a weekend tour of his district with a series of community-based interventions, ranging from health sector support to local infrastructure donations.
The tour, which began in the early hours of Saturday, May 31 took Rep. Kollie and his team across various towns and communities in the district, where he made substantial contributions aimed at improving the living conditions of his constituents.
The interventions included the distribution of medical equipment, roofing materials, cash donations, and logistical support to schools, churches, and town halls.
One of the key highlights of the tour was the donation of 10 hospital beds to three local health facilities. The Gbartala Clinic received four beds, while Taylor-ta Clinic and Fenutoli Clinic each received three beds. Additionally, the Gbartala Clinic was given seven pieces of mattresses.
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"Our health facilities are under-resourced and overstretched. These beds and mattresses are meant to bring some relief and restore dignity to both patients and health workers," Rep. Kollie said during a brief interview with journalists at one of the handover ceremonies.
The donations come amid continued concerns about the lack of basic medical equipment and infrastructure in Liberia's rural health centers. Community leaders in Gbartala and other towns welcomed the lawmaker's gesture and called for more support from national health authorities and other stakeholders.
In addition to the medical supplies, Rep. Kollie also distributed 100 pieces of plastic chairs earmarked for various public institutions across the district, including churches, schools, and town halls. The initiative, he said, is intended to support local institutions that often lack basic furnishings needed to operate effectively.
"These chairs will be distributed based on identified needs. We are focusing on places where community gatherings are held regularly but lack basic seating accommodations," he explained.
The weekend initiative also included the distribution of 60 bundles of zinc roofing sheets to individuals, churches, and other public facilities in need of roofing assistance.
According to Rep. Kollie, the roofing materials will help residents who are grappling with leaking roofs and dilapidated structures, particularly as the rainy season intensifies.
"Our people deserve safe shelter, and while the need is enormous, this donation is a step toward addressing some of the housing issues in the district," he added.
A notable component of the tour was the cash donation and part disbursement of a loan initiative spearheaded by Rep. Kollie. The loan project, which he said is valued at over 1 million Liberian dollars (LRD), is designed to support local entrepreneurs, farmers, and women-led businesses in the district.
The fund, currently being rolled out in phases, is aimed at promoting economic self-reliance among residents by giving them access to affordable credit for income-generating activities.
"This is not just a handout--it's an investment in our people's potential," Rep. Kollie said. "Through this revolving loan project, we want to empower our people to build their businesses, support their families, and contribute to the local economy."
Several beneficiaries who received support during the weekend expressed appreciation for the lawmaker's efforts. Community member and small business owner Martha Sumo of Fenutoli town said the assistance comes at a crucial time.
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"This zinc will help fix my house roof that's been leaking for two years. I didn't have the money to do it on my own. I'm grateful to our representative for remembering us," she said.
While delivering his closing remarks at one of the stops, Rep. Kollie said more projects are underway, including initiatives not captured during this particular outreach.
He hinted that these would be detailed in his upcoming constituency report and possibly in a book he is authoring to document his legislative and community service journey.
"This weekend's tour only scratches the surface of our broader development agenda for District 5. I urge our people to remain engaged and continue working with my office as we build together," he stated.
