By: S. Matthew M. Quoi, Jr., Nimba County
Nimba, Liberia, June 20, 2025 – After years of battling the devastating impression of flooding, the individuals of Nenlah City in District #6, Nimba County, have made the tough resolution to relocate to a brand new, safer location that guarantees a greater future for the residents.
Nenlah City, with an estimated inhabitants of about 1,000 residents, has lengthy suffered from seasonal flood disasters that proceed to threaten the lives and livelihoods of its inhabitants.
One of the extreme flooding incidents occurred in 2024, leaving many residents homeless for a number of weeks. The catastrophe induced widespread struggling, as households struggled with starvation, displacement, and the lack of private belongings.
Since then, the group has remained susceptible, with every wet season renewing fears of one other catastrophe. Annoyed and exhausted, the residents have lastly taken the daring step to discover a safer atmosphere.
In line with native sources, Nenlah City was established within the Nineteen Eighties, however has seen little or no growth over time. Residents imagine the shortage of consideration from previous and present authorities officers has made their scenario even worse.
They are saying the city has been missed by way of infrastructure, healthcare, training, and different important providers that contribute to high quality of life. The absence of primary facilities has deepened their sense of abandonment.
In interviews with the media, many residents expressed frustration over years of neglect. They accused each former and present leaders of ignoring their plight, leaving them to face life-threatening circumstances alone.
Regardless of these challenges, there’s a sense of hope. The brand new web site recognized for his or her relocation is being described as extra comfy and spacious, supreme for rebuilding their lives and beginning afresh.
Residents famous that the relocation space holds nice potential for long-term settlement and growth, because it seems to be free from the fixed flooding they’ve endured for many years.
Nonetheless, they’re involved about highway entry. One of many main points Nenlah City confronted over time was poor situation of roads, which left them remoted throughout emergencies and made transportation of products and providers practically not possible.
Residents at the moment are calling on the Authorities of Liberia and the Nimba County native management to prioritize rehabilitation of roads resulting in the brand new web site, to keep away from repeating previous struggles.
Along with highway enchancment, the residents have emphasised the necessity for robust assist within the areas of training and healthcare. They imagine that entry to colleges and clinics is not going to solely enhance their lives however will even assist them thrive within the new group.
They careworn that primary infrastructure, reminiscent of clear water, sanitation, and electrical energy, are important if the relocation effort is to reach long-term.
The individuals of Nenlah are hopeful that this transfer will mark the start of a brand new chapter—one which brings reduction, dignity, and a way of belonging after years of hardship.
Now greater than ever, they’re urging the county and nationwide authorities to face with them, assist their transition, and guarantee they’re not forgotten. Modifying by Jonathan Browne