By: Ben TC Brooks | River Gee County
River Gee’s hidden jewel, the Belle-Sahwah Waterfall, is set to leap into the national spotlight as Senator Francis Saidy Dopoh II unveils a bold five‑year tourism investment vision valued at US$750,000. The plan promises to turn the sacred cascade into a magnet for visitors, jobs, and cultural pride.
The initiative seeks to make Belle-Sahwah more accessible and alluring, blending economic development, recreation, cultural preservation, and private‑sector investment. Senator Dopoh’s blueprint envisions restaurants, guest houses, safe river crossings, and rehabilitated surroundings — all designed to elevate visitor experience while safeguarding the site’s mystique.
Belle-Sahwah is more than a natural wonder. Local tradition reveres it as a spiritual sanctuary where warriors once sought strength and protection before battle. Historically off‑limits to women and children, the site is now opening to broader audiences, reflecting changing times and rising tourism demand.
The waterfall complex features an island‑like enclave and twin cascades, reachable only after crossing the Gee River and trekking 35 minutes through lush terrain.
Dopoh’s plan would employ workers to manage and maintain the site, while creating opportunities for tour guides, boat operators, food vendors, artisans, entertainers, hospitality staff, and small‑business owners.
A recent assessment by the National Tourist Authority in July 2026 bolstered hopes of securing international partnerships and recognition. “This project can redefine River Gee’s place on Liberia’s tourism map,” Dopoh declared, urging collaboration with investors and development organizations.
Stakeholders stress that development must protect Belle-Sahwah’s natural and cultural integrity. Priorities include environmental safeguards, visitor safety, waste management, and community participation.
Local residents are expected to be key beneficiaries, ensuring that the waterfall’s transformation uplifts surrounding villages as much as it attracts global travelers.
If realized, the Belle-Sahwah project could ignite a wave of prosperity — blending tradition with modern tourism, and positioning River Gee as a destination of choice. For Liberia, it is more than an investment; it is a statement that natural heritage can fuel economic growth while honoring cultural roots.
