The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Public Works, has come under mounting scrutiny following the demolition of several homes in Monrovia and its surrounding communities to clear space for the proposed Ring Road Project. While the initiative was hailed as a step towards modern infrastructure development, it has also left dozens of families homeless, fueling a storm of public debate.
Officials at the Ministry insist the project is vital to easing traffic congestion, promoting economic growth, and modernizing the country’s capital city. Many Liberians welcomed the move, describing it as a bold decision for national progress. “We cannot continue to live in a city where roads are too narrow and traffic is unbearable. Development comes with sacrifice,” said one resident who supports the government’s decision. However, for those whose homes were reduced to rubble, the experience has been devastating. Families that invested their life savings in building houses are now left with nowhere to go.
Victims argue that while the government may have good intentions, it failed to provide alternatives, compensation, or resettlement packages before carrying out the demolition. In a live podcast shared on social media , one for the victims was heard say: “We are not against development, but how do you throw families into the streets without a plan for them?” asked a displaced homeowner.
“We built these houses with sweat and struggle. Now we are left to sleep outside because of a project that has not even started.” Months after the demolitions, the proposed Ring Road construction is yet to begin, leaving many victims in limbo. This lack of progress has intensified frustrations, with citizens questioning whether the Ministry of Public Works is genuinely committed to completing the project or whether the exercise was simply a political stunt. Community leaders have also joined the debate, calling for greater accountability and transparency in government-led infrastructure projects.
“Development is necessary, but it must be people-centered,” said a local activist. “You cannot improve roads by destroying livelihoods without addressing the social consequences.” Citizens are, however, demanding answers and urgent action from the Public Works Ministry. The controversy has raised broader concerns about the government’s priorities, planning processes, and sensitivity to the economic hardships ordinary Liberians are enduring.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
