MONROVIA – The Ministry of Public Works’ plan to assemble two overpass bridges alongside Tubman Boulevard has triggered considerations amongst residents of three communities earmarked for clearance to make method for another highway.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The ministry’s proposed entry route, supposed to ease anticipated visitors congestion throughout building, would lower by way of components of Wroto City, Diwenkon, and Transformer Communities.
To facilitate the venture, eviction notices have been issued to residents occupying areas alongside the proposed highway path. Nevertheless, many affected households have voiced objections and are actually searching for dialogue by way of their respective lawmakers.
Talking throughout an engagement assembly with group residents over the weekend, Edmund Lloyd, Director of Zoning on the Ministry of Public Works, defined the need of the choice route and emphasised its function in mitigating congestion and bettering emergency entry.
“This isn’t about grime or some other factor. It’s about decongesting the Tubman Boulevard. Additionally, the federal government is opening alleys to make sure emergency providers can entry communities. In case your properties should not accessible, there shall be no method for emergency automobiles to get in throughout a disaster,” Lloyd mentioned.
Lloyd famous that the proposed 50-foot clearance will observe the airport fence line, a hall traditionally used as a connection between Wroto City and the Previous Street space within the Sixties. He emphasised that the realm is classed as authorities land, presently occupied by residents beneath squatter rights.
“There shall be an enormous quantity of visitors through the overpass building. We’re partaking communities in order that they perceive the worth of this entry route. That is the preliminary engagement. Constructions inside the 50 ft shall be marked, and elimination orders shall be issued,” he added, calling for public understanding of the sacrifices that always accompany growth.
Montserrado County District 10 Consultant Yekeh Y. Kolubah, who was current on the assembly, acknowledged the residents’ frustrations and pledged to hunt options with central authorities.
“We are going to enchantment to the federal government to contemplate rerouting the highway by way of the airport fence. The communities are prepared to help with safety. Nevertheless, the unlawful dumping of grime and rubbish into the airport fence space by avenue thugs is making all of us look unhealthy. We should take accountability,” Kolubah mentioned.
He inspired residents to stay calm and keep away from confrontations as discussions proceed. “There’s room for dialogue. Allow us to interact peacefully by way of the correct channels,” he urged.
Samuel Thomas, performing chairman of the Wroto City Group, confirmed that residents obtained eviction notices on June 16, giving them a three-month deadline to vacate the premises.
Nevertheless, he appealed for reconsideration of the timeline, citing the present wet season and the financial challenges going through households.
“We welcome growth, however we want extra dialogue. This eviction is occurring through the wet season, and individuals are struggling. We’re speaking about over 5,000 residents right here. Relocating is not going to be simple,” Thomas mentioned.
Transformer Group Chairperson, Theresa Fayiah-Watso, additionally raised considerations in regards to the lack of readability surrounding compensation and resettlement help for long-term residents.
“Some individuals have lived right here for over 30 to 40 years. We don’t know something a couple of compensation bundle. That is wet season, and individuals are scuffling with college charges and every day survival. We’re not going to have interaction in violence, however we ask the federal government to see motive,” she mentioned.
The Ministry of Public Works argues that the highway building is critical for long-term visitors administration and concrete growth. Nevertheless, residents and group leaders are urging that the method be performed with equity, transparency, and ample session.
