Hundreds stranded as Ganta–Zwedru highway turns to mud

Developing story: The number of stranded vehicles has not been independently verified, and conditions may change as repairs continue.

Hundreds of travellers and drivers are reported to be stuck on the Ganta–Zwedru highway in southeastern Liberia, where heavy mud has made long stretches almost impassable. According to FrontPage Africa, more than 200 vehicles have been stranded for over a week, mostly around Duoyee Town between Toe Town and Zwedru.

The New Dawn reports that the Ministry of Public Works identified a swampy section of roughly 100 metres near Duogee Town (also spelled Duoyee in some reports). On 21 October the ministry said a team was working to stabilise it, and it advised operators of heavy trucks to reduce their loads. The New Dawn says travellers still face muddy sections.

FrontPage Africa reports that drivers and passengers have slept beside vehicles with limited food and water. Some motorists are taking a long detour through Nimba County and Côte d'Ivoire, adding time and cost. The paper says motorbike fares from Ganta to Zwedru can exceed LRD 4,000 per passenger.

The road is a key supply route for the region. A Zwedru food vendor told FrontPage Africa that a 25-kilogram bag of rice that sold for LRD 2,500 now costs up to LRD 3,000 at some stalls. Health workers also warned that medicine supplies are running low and that moving emergency patients is harder.

Local authorities say assessment and repair teams are working to restore limited passage, but no reopening date has been announced. Heavy rain, the extent of the damage and shortages of materials are cited as obstacles. Residents are calling for heavy equipment, emergency support for stranded travellers and a longer-term fix for the corridor.