Tension is mounting in the Hotel Africa and Unity Conference Center communities in District #17, Montserrado County, as residents face imminent eviction by the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Public Works. The residents, some of whom have lived in the area for more than five decades, are being asked to vacate without compensation or a clear relocation plan a move that has sparked outrage and plans for mass protest. According to community leaders, scores of women and children have already been rendered homeless as demolition efforts intensify. In response, residents have vowed to march on the Executive Mansion next Wednesday to seek redress from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, calling for justice and fair compensation.
“We have nowhere to go. This land is all we’ve known for more than 50 years,” lamented one community elder, who accused the government of disregarding their rights and welfare. “We are not against development, but we must not be treated like strangers in our own country.” Montserrado County District #17 Representative, Hon. Bernard Blue Benson, Jr., has intervened on behalf of his constituents, describing the government’s action as “unjust and inconsiderate.” He confirmed that his office has written the House of Representatives’ plenary, calling for immediate legislative intervention. “My people must justly be compensated,” Rep. Benson declared. “We can’t promote development at the expense of citizens’ dignity and livelihood.
The plenary will do the needful when we convene next Tuesday.” Following Rep. Benson’s communication, the Leadership of the House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Public Works, Mines & Energy, and Peace & Reconciliation to launch a probe into the 30-day demolition notice issued to residents of the Pre-Fab Community one of the affected areas near Hotel Africa. As part of the probe, Public Works Minister Roland Giddings has been summoned to appear before the committees to provide detailed clarification on the demolition exercise, its legal basis, and any potential compensation or relocation plans for the displaced families.
Rep. Benson emphasized that the Pre-Fab Community has existed for more than 45 years and currently hosts critical social infrastructures, including schools, churches, mosques, clinics, and over 100 homes, accommodating an estimated 25,000 residents. “While we recognize the importance of national development, the government must also uphold its responsibility to protect citizens,” Benson noted. “Evicting thousands of people without compensation or proper notice is unacceptable.” In his formal communication, the lawmaker also requested that the Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC) and the Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority (LLA) be invited alongside the Minister of Public Works to provide further clarification on the land status and future plans for the affected areas.
Meanwhile, the House Leadership has assured the public that the Legislature remains committed to ensuring that development projects are implemented with respect for human rights, fairness, and transparency. “The House of Representatives will continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure that citizens’ rights are protected even as we pursue national development goals,” a statement from the Legislature read. As the Wednesday protest looms, anxiety continues to rise among the affected residents, many of whom are calling for urgent government intervention before the situation escalates into a humanitarian crisis.
Author: Zac T. Sherman