-From Local Investor
By: Vaye Abel Lepolu
Grand Kru County, Liberia — A native son of Grand Kru County has invested US$200,000 in heavy equipment to tackle the critical road infrastructure challenges plaguing Electoral District #2. Mr. Hillary Wleh Gray, a prominent businessman and miner from Bolloh-Po in the Dorbor District area, personally financed the purchase of two brand-new heavy-duty machines—an excavator and a bulldozer. Each machine cost US$100,000, with additional expenses including US$18,000 per unit for shipping to the Freeport of Monrovia and US$16,000 per unit for port clearance.
The equipment is currently en route to Grand Kru County and is expected to arrive in the coming days.
Mr. Gray, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Dorbor Mining Incorporated, stated that his motivation stems from the severe hardships residents face due to poor road networks. He cited years of neglect by elected officials as a primary concern driving his decision to act.
“My people have suffered for too long. Bad roads have made life difficult for farmers and traders,” Mr. Gray explained to residents and community stakeholders. “I started my mining activities here in Grand Kru in January 2025, and one year later, I decided to reinvest in the same people who gave me the opportunity to succeed.” The arrival of the equipment has been met with enthusiasm by the local county authority, which has hailed the project as a life-saving, legacy-building effort by a private citizen.
Mr. Gray’s commitment to the district extends beyond road rehabilitation. He also announced significant progress on a major water initiative. To date, more than eight hand pumps have been completed in his hometown of Bolloh-Po, with an additional five currently under construction in the nearby town of Bolloh Kaypo.
He emphasized that providing access to safe drinking water is a fundamental necessity, especially as surface water sources face increasing pollution risks. “We cannot claim to love our people and still allow them to drink unsafe water. This is about dignity and public health,” he stated.
Amid growing public speculation, Mr. Gray firmly dismissed any suggestion that his philanthropic efforts are a precursor to a political career, specifically denying ambitions for the 2029 elections.
“This is not because I want to contest for representative. My goal is simply to give my people a better life—good roads, safe drinking water, and basic services,” he clarified.
However, Mr. Gray did not hold back in his criticism of current and past leaders, both local and national. He accused lawmakers of abandoning their constituents after elections. “You cannot come to the people only during elections, collect their votes, and then turn your back on them,” he said, stressing that political power is a trust given by the people.
He also expressed disappointment in former President George Weah, alleging that Grand Kru County suffered from neglect during his administration. “As a son of Grand Kru and President of Liberia, yet Weah ignored and pretended not to see the confronting challenges his people are facing. He acted like all the problems in his home county were solved,” Mr. Gray stated.
Reaffirming his long-term dedication, Mr. Gray vowed to continue his support for the people of Electoral District #2. “As long as I have breath, the people of District Two will continue to benefit from my efforts. There is still much more to be done,” he concluded.
