by Rocheford T. Gardiner
HARPER, Maryland County – Maryland County finds itself in a swirl of controversy as a key infrastructure project remains uncompleted, sparking public outcry and questions about accountability. Meanwhile, the region also holds the promise of future prosperity, with major players in the energy sector kicking off exploration activities off its coast.
The biggest storm brewing in Maryland County centers around the Gbloken Primary School. Despite the official 2025 Annual Report (page #9) proudly declaring the project “completed,” a closer look reveals a starkly different reality.
Local reports and photographic evidence show the school building is far from finished, with construction stalled and the facility unusable. Students in Gbloken are still forced to learn in makeshift “palava huts,” essentially open-air shelters, highlighting a deeply troubling gap between official claims and on-the-ground conditions.
This discrepancy has ignited a fiery debate between County Superintendent Henry B. Cole and local lawmakers. Citizens are demanding answers regarding the management of the County Development Funds (CDF) that were meant to ensure the school’s completion. The incident casts a shadow over public trust and raises serious questions about transparency in local governance.
Adding to the infrastructure woes, the Tienpo Bridge project has also faced significant delays. The Polunaken Movement, a local community group, has publicly voiced its frustration. With progress stalled, community members are now taking matters into their own hands, actively raising funds to push the project forward. They are also pressing the government for a clear and immediate construction timeline, emphasizing the bridge’s importance for local connectivity and economic activity.
Meanwhile, the Office of Superintendent Henry Cole has brushed off these criticisms as mere rumor mongering aimed at causing misunderstanding in the county.
The superintendent said and I quote: “I don’t want to dignify folks who are only hell bent on causing confusion in the county. However, that project is our own, because nothing was paid by the past administration.”
“We got in and began the process and it’s up to 90 percent plus and as we speak, the project only requires finishing work, something the contractor has agreed in principle to do. But in our annual report we said complete, and a comprehensive explanation was given to the county council, during a meeting,” continued Mr. Cole.
Well, despite these challenges, Maryland County is also looking towards a potentially brighter future with significant developments in its offshore energy sector. On January 15, 2026, energy giants TotalEnergies and BluEnergies officially signed an agreement to begin exploration in the Harper Basin, located off the Maryland County coast. This crucial agreement includes an 18-month plan to assess deepwater “fan” prospects. If successful, this exploration could lead to the discovery of oil and gas reserves, bringing substantial economic benefits and job opportunities to the region.