GBARNGA, Bong County — Tension is brewing in Gbarnga after Bong County District #4 Representative Robert Flomo Womba and his political rival, Representative aspirant Hinson T. Kollie, were both seen at the Gbarnga Police Station on Monday in connection with alleged transportation of crushed rocks from the Salayea-Konia Road Project.
The Salayea-Konia Road is a major government project being executed by Chinese construction firm CHICO, aimed at connecting communities between Bong and Lofa Counties.
According to Hinson T. Kollie, the issue started when residents in District #4 alerted him that trucks, believed to be owned or contracted by CHICO, were seen leaving the project site loaded with crushed rocks and heading towards Gbarnga City.
Kollie said he immediately intervened and called for police support to intercept the trucks.
"I was informed by citizens that CHICO trucks were carrying crushed rocks away from the Salayea-Konia Road project area. I tried to stop them and asked the police to intervene," Kollie alleged.
He further alleged that he later tracked two of the trucks and saw them entering the compound of Representative Robert Womba in Gbarnga.
The aspirant is claiming that the rocks were materials meant for the government road project and should not have been moved to a private residence.
As of Monday evening, sources confirmed that the trucks loaded with crushed rocks were parked at or near Rep. Womba's residence, while Kollie's vehicle was at the police station as part of the investigation.
The Liberia National Police detachment in Gbarnga has launched an investigation into the matter but has not issued an official statement regarding who authorized the movement of the rocks or whether a crime was committed.
Police sources told our correspondent that both men were invited to provide statements to aid the investigation.
Efforts to reach Representative Robert Womba proved unsuccessful. His phones rang without answer, and text messages sent to him received no reply up to press time.
Residents of District #4 have expressed mixed reactions. Some say the road project has been slow, and any removal of materials from the site raises serious concerns. Others are calling for calm and asking police to conduct a transparent investigation.
It remains unclear whether CHICO authorized the transportation of the rocks or if the materials were purchased legally.
This report is based solely on allegations made by Hinson T. Kollie. No official finding has been made against Representative Womba.
All persons involved are presumed innocent until proven otherwise by competent authorities.